Fusion proteins for treating cancer and related methods

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the disclosure provide fusion proteins that bind cells expressing one or more target molecules including, for example, one or more cell surface multisubunit signaling receptors (e.g., EGFRvIII-expressing cells that also express interferon receptors) and that induce anti-proliferative effects, and related compositions and methods for the treatment of cancer.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. provisional application No. 61/986,866, filed Apr. 30, 2014, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Previous work indicated the value of combining a targeting element having a high affinity for a cell surface receptor and an activity element having a lower affinity for a second cell surface receptor through which signaling occurs (for example by fusion of protein domains via a linker). A mutation may be introduced into the activity element to reduce its receptor binding so that its binding affinity is below that of the targeting element for its receptor. This approach has been shown to enhance the specificity of an activity element for target cells relative to side effect cells by as much as 20-fold, with some specificity enhancement attributable to the attached targeting element and the activity-reducing mutation.

However, in some therapeutic settings, the desired target cell is much less accessible than cells through which adverse side effects are mediated. For example, solid tumors often lack lymph node drainage, therefore therapeutic proteins that enter from the circulation only perfuse the tumor by diffusion. This results in the concentration of the therapeutic fusion protein being many times greater in the vicinity of side-effect cells, such as normal tissue, compared to target cells, such as tumor cells. In addition to tumors, targeting of proteins to the brain also results in limited access by therapeutic proteins due to the blood-brain barrier. Therefore, there is a need in the art for improved approaches to targeting of therapeutic protein activities, as well as for therapeutic proteins with enhanced specificity for their target cells.

SUMMARY

This disclosure relates to protein engineering and construction of fusion proteins. Some aspects of the present disclosure focus on improving the properties of a class of engineered fusion proteins termed “chimeric activators.” These proteins include a targeting element that binds to a cell surface receptor, an activity element that binds to a distinct receptor on the same cell, and a linker connecting the two protein domains. In some embodiments, the activity element has reduced activity due to the presence of one or more amino acid substitutions. In some embodiments, decreasing the binding affinity of the activity element in an effort to reduce undesired side effects (e.g., anti-proliferative or cytotoxic effects on non-target cells) can render the chimeric molecules ineffective due to weak receptor binding, such that the targeting receptor-bound chimeric activator may be internalized and degraded through normal membrane clearance phenomena before signaling has a chance to occur. Aspects of the present disclosure are based in part on the recognition that many signaling molecules bind to more than one receptor or receptor subunit, the interactions with these receptors vary in strength by several orders of magnitude, and that these differences can be taken into account when designing or producing a chimeric activator as described herein.

In some embodiments, aspects of the disclosure relate to fusion proteins comprising a first protein domain that binds to a multisubunit signaling receptor (e.g., a cell surface multisubunit signaling receptor), a second protein domain (e.g., an antibody variable region element, a ligand, or other peptide) that binds to a cell surface antigen, and a linker that connects the first protein domain and the second protein domain, wherein the first protein domain that binds to the multimeric signaling receptor includes a first amino acid substitution and a second amino acid substitution such that the binding affinity of the first protein domain to a first subunit of the multisubunit signaling receptor is altered by the first amino acid substitution and the binding affinity of the first protein domain to a second subunit of the multisubunit signaling receptor is altered by the second amino acid substitution.

In some embodiments, the fusion protein comprises one polypeptide chain. In some embodiments, the multisubunit signaling receptor and the cell surface antigen are expressed on at least one cell type in a human. In some embodiments, the first mutation decreases the binding affinity of the first protein domain for the first receptor subunit and the second mutation increases the affinity of the first protein domain for the second receptor subunit. In some embodiments, the multisubunit signaling receptor is a Type 1 interferon receptor. In some embodiments, the protein domain that binds to a multisubunit signaling receptor is a cytokine or hormone. In some embodiments, this protein domain comprises a Type 1 interferon. In some embodiments, the Type 1 interferon comprises one or more amino acid substitutions selected from the group consisting of L30A, R145A, M149A, E59A, H58A, and R150A.

In some embodiments, an antibody variable region element comprises an antibody variable region or regions or a derivative or fragment thereof that is capable of binding a peptide provided by the amino acid sequence Lys-Gly-Asn-Tyr-Val-Val-Thr-Asp-His (SEQ ID NO: 17). In some embodiments, the protein domain that binds to the multi-subunit signaling receptor comprises the amino acid sequence provided by SEQ ID NO: 18.

In some embodiments, the linker connects the C-terminal end of second protein domain (e.g., the antibody or antibody variable region element) to the N-terminal end of the first protein domain. In some embodiments, the linker connects the C-terminal end of the first protein domain to the N-terminal end of the second protein domain (e.g., the antibody or antibody variable region element). In some embodiments, the first protein domain inhibits cellular proliferation. In some embodiments, the antibody variable region element comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence provided by SEQ ID NO: 15 and a light chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence provided by SEQ ID NO: 16. In some embodiments, the Type 1 interferon comprises mutations H58A and R150A. In some embodiments, the Type 1 interferon comprises mutations E59A and M149A.

In some embodiments, aspects of the disclosure relate to a fusion protein (e.g., a chimeric activator) comprising a polypeptide that binds to a heteromultimeric receptor comprising at least a first subunit and a second subunit, a second protein domain (e.g., an antibody variable region element, a ligand, or other peptide) that binds to a target cell surface receptor (e.g., EGFRvIII), and a linker that connects the polypeptide and the antibody variable region element. In some embodiments, the polypeptide that binds to the heteromultimeric receptor includes one or more amino acid substitutions such that the binding affinity of the polypeptide to a first subunit of the heteromultimeric receptor is increased and/or the binding affinity of the polypeptide to a second subunit of the heteromultimeric receptor is decreased (e.g., such that the relative binding affinities of the polypeptide to each receptor is less than 10 fold, 5 fold, 2 fold, or 1.5 fold, or 1.1 fold of each other). In some embodiments, a fusion protein includes a polypeptide (e.g., a first protein domain) having at least one amino acid substitution such that the binding affinity of the polypeptide to at least one subunit of the heteromultimeric receptor is increased relative to binding affinity of the unsubstituted polypeptide.

In the case of Type 1 interferons, the interaction with the Type 1 interferon receptor subunit 2 (IFNAR2) is much stronger than with the Type 1 interferon receptor subunit 1 (IFNAR1). In a binding model contemplated by the present disclosure, a polypeptide such as an interferon (IFN) initially bind to IFNAR2, and then the IFN/IFNAR2 complex diffuses in two dimensions in the cell membrane until it finds IFNAR1. A stable signaling complex is formed after formation of the IFNAR1/IFNAR2/IFN trimeric complex, and subsequent intracellular events occur such as binding of downstream signaling proteins and phosphorylation. According to this model, the IFNAR1/IFNAR2/IFN trimeric complex may dissociate before intracellular events occur.

In some embodiments, the polypeptide that binds to the Type 1 interferon receptor comprises a Type 1 interferon-α region having one or more substitution mutations in a portion of the polypeptide that interacts with the receptor. For example, in some embodiments one or more substitution mutations are selected from the group consisting of L30A, R145A, M149A, E59A, H58A, and R150A (e.g., both M149A and E59A and/or both H58A and R150A).

In some embodiments, the heteromultimeric receptor is a Type 1 interferon receptor. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide that binds to the heteromultimeric receptor is an interferon and comprises one or more amino acid substitutions that improve expression, stability (e.g., structural stability and/or resistance to intracellular degradation for example associated with cellular internalization), or signaling of the polypeptide. In some embodiments, such substitutions in the polypeptide backbone result in the presence of one or more of Arg at residue 23, Pro at residue 26, Asp at residue 44, Gln at residue 52, Ala at residue 53, Ser at residue 55, Glu at residue 83, Thr at residue 101, Val at residue 104, Gly at residue 105, Glu at residue 107, and/or Glu at residue 125 as described herein. In some embodiments, one or more of these backbone substitutions may enhance binding of the polypeptide to the first and second subunit of the heteromultimeric receptor and increase stability of the trimeric signaling complex. In some embodiments, one or more of these substitutions increase resistance of the trimeric complex to internalization and degradation.

In some embodiments, the antibody variable region element that binds to EGFRvIII comprises MR1-1 or a derivative or fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the linker has a net charge.

In some embodiments, aspects of the disclosure relate to fusion proteins comprising a protein domain that binds to a multisubunit signaling receptor, a second protein domain (e.g., an antibody variable region element) that binds to a cell surface antigen, and a linker that connects the protein domain and the second protein domain (e.g., the antibody variable region element), wherein the linker is a peptide linker and has a net charge. In some embodiments, the net charge of the linker is negative. In some embodiments, the linker comprises amino acids selected from the group consisting of glycine, serine, glutamate, and aspartate. In some embodiments, the net charge of the linker is positive. In some embodiments, the linker comprises amino acids selected from the group consisting of lysine, arginine, and histidine. In some embodiments, the linker comprises 10 to 200 amino acids in length. In some embodiments, the linker comprises a repeat of GGGSE (SEQ ID NO:11), GSESG (SEQ ID NO:12), or GSEGS (SEQ ID NO:13). In some embodiments, the linker comprises the sequence of GEGGSGEGSSGEGSSSEGGGSEGGGSEGGGSEGGS (SEQ ID NO:14).

In some embodiments, the linker comprises an amino acid sequence comprising regularly spaced negatively charged amino acids and non-regularly spaced non-charged amino acids. In some embodiments, the non-charged amino acids are selected from the group consisting of glycine, serine, alanine, proline, and threonine. In some embodiments, the non-charged amino acids are selected from the group consisting of glycine and serine.

In some embodiments, the protein domain that binds to the multisubunit signaling receptor is a cytokine or hormone. In some embodiments, the protein domain that binds to the multi-subunit signaling receptor is a Type 1 interferon. In some embodiments, the protein domain that binds to the multisubunit signaling receptor comprises the amino acid sequence provided by SEQ ID NO: 18. In some embodiments, the linker connects the C-terminal end of the antibody variable region element to the N-terminal end of the protein domain. In some embodiments, the linker connects the C-terminal end of the protein domain to the N-terminal end of the antibody or antibody variable region element. In some embodiments, the protein domain inhibits cellular proliferation.

In some embodiments, the antibody variable region element comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence provided by SEQ ID NO: 15 and a light chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence provided by SEQ ID NO: 16. In some embodiments, the Type 1 interferon comprises mutations H58A and R150A. In some embodiments, the Type 1 interferon comprises mutations E59A and M149A.

In some embodiments, the fusion protein selectively binds to cancer cells relative to non-cancer cells. In some embodiments, the fusion protein selectively binds to cancer cells that express EGFRvIII relative to cells that do not express EGFRvIII. Accordingly, some aspects of the disclosure relate to a chimeric activator comprising a polypeptide that binds to a Type 1 interferon receptor, an antibody that binds to EGFRvIII, and a linker that connects the polypeptide and the antibody. In some embodiments, the linker is a peptide linker and has a net charge. In some embodiments, the polypeptide that binds to the Type 1 interferon receptor comprises one or more amino acid substitutions that improve expression, stability, or signaling of the polypeptide. In some embodiments, the polypeptide that binds to the Type 1 interferon receptor comprises a Type 1 interferon-α (IFN-α) region having one or more substitution mutations selected from the group consisting of L30A, R145A, M149A, E59A, H58A, and R150A (e.g., both M149A and E59A and/or both H58A and R150A). In some embodiments, the antibody that binds to EGFRvIII comprises MR1-1 or a derivative or fragment thereof.

In some embodiments, the Type 1 interferon-α comprises one or more amino acid substitutions in the polypeptide that result in Arg at residue 23, Pro at residue 26, Asp at residue 44, Gln at residue 52, Ala at residue 53, Ser at residue 55, Glu at residue 83, Thr at residue 101, Val at residue 104, Gly at residue 105, Glu at residue 107, and/or Glu at residue 125, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the linker connects the C-terminal end of the antibody or antibody variable region element to the N-terminal end of the polypeptide. In other embodiments, the linker connects the C-terminal end of the polypeptide to the N-terminal end of the antibody or antibody variable region element.

In some embodiments, the antibody or antibody variable region element that binds to EGFRvIII comprises a svFc, sdAb, Fab, Fab2, or a full length immunoglobulin (e.g., a full length immunoglobulin chain, for example a heavy chain and/or a light chain). In some embodiments, the antibody or antibody variable region element comprises a heavy chain variable region of SEQ ID NO: 15 and a light chain variable region of SEQ ID NO: 16.

In some embodiments, the Type 1 interferon comprises mutations H58A and R150A In other embodiments, the Type 1 interferon comprises mutations E59A and M149A.

In some embodiments, the linker comprises 10 to 200 amino acids in length. In some embodiments, the net charge of the linker is negative. In some embodiments, the linker comprises amino acids selected from the group consisting of glycine, serine, glutamate, and aspartate. In some embodiments, the linker comprises a repeat of GGGSE (SEQ ID NO:11), GSESG (SEQ ID NO:12), or GSEGS (SEQ ID NO:13). In some embodiments, the linker comprises the sequence GEGGSGEGSSGEGSSSEGGGSEGGGSEGGGSEGGS (SEQ ID NO:14).

In other embodiments, the net charge of the linker is positive. In other embodiments, the linker comprises amino acids selected from the group consisting of lysine, arginine, and histidine.

In some embodiments, the chimeric activator selectively binds to cancer cells relative to non-cancer cells. In some embodiments, the chimeric activator protein selectively binds to cancer cells that express EGFRvIII relative to cells that do not express EGFRvIII.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to isolated proteins comprising SEQ ID NO: 18.

Accordingly, in some embodiments aspects of the disclosure relate to an isolated chimeric activator protein comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1 [MR1-1 INFa 2-1b WT], SEQ ID NO: 2 [MR1-1 INFa 2-1B L30A], SEQ ID NO: 3 [MR1-1 INFa 2-1B R145A], SEQ ID NO: 4 [MR1-1 INFa 2-1b E59A M149A], and SEQ ID NO: 5[MR1-1 INFa 2-1b H58A R150A].

Aspects of the disclosure relate to isolated nucleic acids that encode any of the fusion proteins described above and elsewhere here. In some embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid comprises in frame a first sequence encoding a protein domain that binds to a multisubunit signaling receptor, a second sequence encoding an antibody variable region element that binds a cell surface antigen, and a third sequence encoding a linker that connects the protein domain and the antibody variable region element, wherein the linker is a peptide linker and has a net charge.

Other aspects of the disclosure relate to an isolated nucleic acid that encodes a chimeric activator protein as described above or elsewhere herein.

In some embodiments, aspects of the disclosure relate to an isolated nucleic acid encoding a chimeric activator comprising in frame a first sequence encoding a polypeptide that binds to a Type 1 interferon receptor, a second sequence encoding an antibody that binds to EGFRvIII, and a third sequence encoding a linker that connects the polypeptide and the antibody. In some embodiments, the linker is a peptide linker and has a net charge. In some embodiments, the polypeptide that binds to the Type 1 interferon receptor comprises a Type 1 interferon-α (IFN-α) region having one or more substitution mutation selected from the group consisting of L30A, R145A, M149A, E59A (e.g., both M149A and E59A), H58A, and R150A (e.g., both H58A and R150A). In some embodiments, the antibody that binds EGFRvIII comprises MR1-1 or a derivative or fragment thereof.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to methods for manufacturing a fusion protein comprising a protein domain that binds to a multisubunit signaling receptor, an antibody variable region element that binds to a cell surface antigen, and a linker that connects the protein domain and the antibody variable region element, comprising mutating the protein domain such that the binding affinity of the protein domain to a first subunit of the multisubunit signaling receptor is increased and the binding affinity of the protein domain to a second subunit of the multisubunit signaling receptor is decreased relative to an unmutated protein domain; selecting a linker length and an amino acid composition that enhances the specificity of the fusion protein for cells bearing the cell surface antigen; and preparing the fusion protein. In some embodiments, the first subunit is IFNAR1 and the second subunit is IFNAR2.

Other aspects of the disclosure relate to methods for manufacturing a chimeric activator comprising a polypeptide that binds to the Type 1 interferon receptor, an antibody fragment that binds to EGFRvIII, and a linker that connects the polypeptide and the antibody fragment. In some embodiments, the method involves mutating the polypeptide such that the binding affinity of the polypeptide to a first subunit of the Type 1 interferon receptor is increased and the binding affinity of the polypeptide to a second subunit of the Type 1 interferon receptor is decreased. In some embodiments, the method involves selecting a linker length and/or an amino acid composition that stabilizes and/or increases the activity of the chimeric activator (e.g., after internalization). In some embodiments, the method involves preparing a chimeric activator. In some embodiments, the chimeric activator binds to two subunits of a Type 1 interferon receptor. In some embodiments, the first subunit is IFNAR1 and the second subunit is IFNAR2.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to methods for targeted inhibition of cellular proliferation comprising contacting a cell with an effective amount of any of the fusion proteins described above and elsewhere herein. In some embodiments, the cell is characterized by expression of EGFRvIII. In some embodiments, the cell is in a human. In some embodiments, the cell is obtained from a human.

Some aspects of the disclosure relate to methods for targeted inhibition of cellular proliferation. In some embodiments, the method involves contacting a cell with an effective amount of a fusion protein (e.g., a chimeric activator). In some embodiments, the method involves assessing cellular proliferation after contacting the cell with the fusion protein (e.g., chimeric activator). In some embodiments, the cell is characterized by expression of EGFRvIII. In some embodiments, the cell is in an individual (e.g., in situ, in vivo). In other embodiments, the cell is obtained from an individual (e.g., ex vivo).

Aspects of the disclosure relate to methods for treating cancer comprising administering to an individual having cancer an effective amount of any of the fusion proteins described above or elsewhere herein. In some embodiments, the cancer is characterized by EGFRvIII expression. In some embodiments, the cancer is glioblastoma. In some embodiments, the individual has received at least one cancer treatment selected from the group consisting of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. In some embodiments, the individual is concurrently administered the fusion protein and at least one cancer treatment selected from the group consisting of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Some aspects of the disclosure relate to methods for treating cancer. In some embodiments, the method involves administering to an individual having cancer an effective amount of a fusion protein (e.g., a chimeric activator). In some embodiments, the cancer is characterized by EGFRvIII expression. In some embodiments, the cancer is glioblastoma.

Other aspects of the disclosure relate to methods for treating an individual having cancer. In some embodiments, the method involves detecting whether the cancer expresses EGFRvIII, and if EGFRvIII expression is detected, administering to the individual an effective amount of a chimeric activator.

Yet other aspects of the disclosure relate to compositions comprising any of the fusion proteins described above or elsewhere herein. In some embodiments, the composition also comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier comprises a phosphate-buffered saline or a buffer comprising a sugar, arginine, citrate, and/or a Tween compound.

Other aspects of the disclosure provide compositions comprising a chimeric activator as described herein. In some embodiments, the composition further comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier comprises a phosphate-buffered saline or a buffer comprising a sugar, arginine, citrate, and/or a Tween compound.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further demonstrate certain aspects of the present disclosure, which can be better understood by reference to one of more of these drawings in combination with the detailed description of the specific embodiments presented herein.

FIG. 1 presents a set of example fusion proteins comprising a targeting element (T) and an activity element (A) connected by a negatively charged linker (indicated by a line). FIG. 1A presents the general structure of a fusion protein comprising an activity element, a negatively charged linker, and a targeting element. FIG. 1B presents an example of a fusion protein comprising an activity element, a negatively charged linker, and an activity element consisting of a single-chain Fv (scFv) that includes a linker between the VH and VL domains. FIG. 1C presents an example of a fusion protein comprising an activity element with a mutation (indicated by an “X”) that reduces its binding to a receptor, a negatively charged linker, and an activity element consisting of an (scFv) that includes a linker between the VH and VL domains. FIG. 1D presents an example of a fusion protein comprising an activity element fused to a “SNAP” protein domain, a negatively charged linker consisting of a nucleic acid attached at one end to the SNAP domain, and an activity element consisting of a second SNAP domain fused to a single-chain Fv (scFv) with a linker between the VH and VL domains such that the second SNAP domain is also attached to the other end of the nucleic acid. FIG. 1E is a schematic demonstrating the repulsive electrostatic interaction between the surface of a cell, which is negatively charged, and negative charges on a linker in a fusion protein that includes an activity element and a targeting element.

FIG. 2 presents example sequences of a negatively charged peptide linker, consisting of glycine, serine, and glutamic acid residues. FIG. 2A shows a fusion protein with the negatively charged linker highlighted by a bracket. FIG. 2B presents an exemplary 35-amino acid linker sequence (SEQ ID NO. 14) with randomly placed glycine and serine residues and glutamic acid residues at regular five amino acid intervals. The DNA sequence corresponds to SEQ ID NO: 26. FIG. 2C presents an exemplary 35-amino acid linker sequence with randomly placed glycine and serine residues and glutamic acid residues at regular four-amino acid intervals (SEQ ID NO: 27). The DNA sequence corresponds to SEQ ID NO: 28. The coding sequences of the linkers are also shown and indicate how non-repetitive encoding is accomplished.

FIG. 3 presents example fusion proteins with an activity element (A), a linker (indicated by a line), and a targeting element (T), in which the activity element binds to at least two different receptor subunits on a cell surface to achieve signaling; and the binding is through two different faces whose receptor subunit binding can be independently modulated. FIG. 3A presents an example fusion protein that is simultaneously bound to a targeting receptor (Rec_(T)) and an activity element receptor with two subunits (R1_(A) and R2_(A)). FIG. 3B presents the general structure of a fusion protein with an activity element, a linker, and a targeting element, in which the activity element contains one or more mutations (indicated by an “X”) on each protein face that interacts with one of the receptor subunits (and thus contains at least two mutations). FIG. 3C presents an example fusion protein in which the mutation(s) on one face of the activity element have the net effect of increasing binding to a receptor subunit (indicated by an “X+”), and mutations on another face also have the effect of increasing binding but to a distinct receptor subunit (also indicated by an “X+”). FIG. 3D presents an example fusion protein in which the mutation(s) on one face of the activity element have the net effect of increasing binding to a receptor subunit (indicated by an “X+”), and mutations on another face have the effect of decreasing binding to a distinct receptor subunit (indicated by an “X−”). FIG. 3E presents such an example fusion protein in which the mutation(s) on one face of the activity element have the net effect of decreasing binding to a receptor subunit (indicated by an “X”), and mutations on another face also have the effect of decreasing binding but to a distinct receptor subunit (indicated by an “X”). FIG. 3F shows a table of the binding dissociation constants for wild-type and mutant forms of IFN-α used in fusion proteins described in the Examples and FIG. 5, with respect to IFNAR1 (“R1”) and IFNAR2 (“R2”). In fusion proteins that contain double mutations (e.g., His57Ala (H57A)Arg149Ala (R149A) and Glu58Ala (E58A) Met148Ala (M148A)), one mutation decreases binding while the other increases binding, such that the binding affinity of each face of IFNα with its receptor subunit is substantially the same.

FIG. 4 shows an alignment of human INFα sequences, with the sequence of IFNα2-1b at the top in bold. The sequences, from top to bottom, correspond to SEQ ID NOs: 18, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, and 29.

FIG. 5 presents exemplary viability curves of wild-type U87 cells (diamonds) or U87 cells that express EGFRvIII (U87 EGFRvIII; squares) following treatment for 72 hours with the indicated fusion proteins produced in Pichia pastoris supernatants. FIG. 5A shows viability following treatment with wild-type INFα. FIG. 5B shows viability following treatment with MR1-1 IFNα 2-1b wt. FIG. 5C shows viability following treatment with MR1-1 IFNα 2-1b L30A. FIG. 5D shows viability following treatment with MR1-1 IFNα 2-1b R145A. FIG. 5E shows viability following treatment with MR1-1 INFα 2-1b H58A R150A. FIG. 5F shows viability following treatment with MR1-1 IFNα 2-1b E59A M149A.

FIG. 6 shows an SDS-PAGE gel quantifying MR1-1-IFNα2-1b(R145A) production. Lane 1 contains a size standard. In lanes 2-5, 5, 2.5, 1.25 and 0.75 micrograms of bovine serum albumin (BSA) was run; the BSA is indicated by “1” and the white box. Bands in lanes 6 and 7 are samples of MR1-1-IFNα2-1b(R145A) diluted by 5-fold and 10-fold, respectively, following purified by cobalt affinity via the His6 tag and then by fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC). Protein bands of the predicted size are indicated by “2” and “3”. Lane 8 is the undiluted supernatant from the initial Pichia pastoris culture; and “4” represents the protein band at the predicted size. “5” indicates contaminating protein bands that constitute less than 10% of the total protein in the sample. The results indicate that the MR1-1-IFNα2-1b (R145A) protein can be purified from Pichia pastoris cultures using conventional methods.

FIG. 7 shows an FPLC profile of MR1-1 INFα2-1b(R145A). The arrows indicate the main peak and a shoulder peak representing MR1-1 IFNα2-1b (R145A). When fractions corresponding to the peak and the shoulder peak were examined by SDS-PAGE gel, both showed an identical pattern consisting of >90% MR1-1-INFα2-1b (R145A) similar to that of FIG. 6. This result suggests that because the loaded sample was in a highly concentrated state, the scFv portion of MR1-1 INFα2-1b (R145A) was in a monomer-dimer equilibrium and that the shoulder represents non-covalent dimeric MR1-1 IFNα2-1b (R145A).

FIG. 8 shows results of a growth inhibition assay in which murine Neuro-2a cells (N2a cells) were treated with between approximately 1 picomolar to 1 micromolar murine IFN-α2 (muIFN WT), human IFN-α2a (huIFN WT), or MR1-1 INFα2-1b. The results indicate that the murine protein was most active in growth inhibition of the murine N2a cells, MR1-1 IFNα2-1b was detectably active but less so than the murine INFα, and that the human IFNα2a protein was not detectably active.

FIG. 9 shows tumor volume in mice at the indicated time points. The arrows indicate administration of the fusion protein (MR1-1-INFα2-1b (R145a) at 135 mcg/mouse/day or vehicle control (PBS). Tumors volumes were calculated by the formula (length×width²)/2. Squares are mice treated with the fusion protein; and circles mice that received the control.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

Aspects of the disclosure are based on the recognition that coupling a molecule with a desired activity to a targeting molecule can be an effective method for targeting the activity to cells expressing a targeted feature. However, in some therapeutic settings, the targeted cell is less accessible than cells not expressing the targeted feature. Such cells are referred to herein as “side effect cells.” The desired activity performed on a side effect or non-targeted cell mediates many of the side effects of such therapeutic molecules. For example, solid tumors often lack lymph node drainage and therapeutic molecules only perfuse the tumor by diffusion. This results in a local concentration of the therapeutic molecule that is many times greater in the vicinity of side effect cells compared to target cells, such as tumor cells. In another example, therapeutic molecules that target molecules expressed by cells of the brain must cross the blood-brain barrier. A relatively low proportion of the therapeutic molecule succeeds in accessing this limited site, resulting in a much lower concentration of the therapeutic molecule contacting the targeted cells compared to the side effect cells. Accordingly, there is a need for improved and novel approaches to enhance the specificity and the desired activity of therapeutic molecules to targeted cells while minimizing any activity towards side effect cells.

Described herein are novel fusion proteins that are capable of binding two distinct targets on a cell, wherein one of the targets is a multimeric target or multi-subunit signaling protein (e.g., a heteromultimeric target). In some embodiments, the fusion proteins are also targeted to cells expressing a cell surface antigen, such as an EGFR variant, e.g., EGFRvIII, that is associated with diseases mediated by constitutive EGFR signaling, such as cancer. For example, upon targeting to EGFRvIII-expressing cells, fusion proteins can also bind to a multisubunit signaling receptor, such as a heteromultimeric receptor, e.g., a Type 1 interferon receptor (IFNAR). Other examples of heteromultimeric receptors that can be bound by fusion proteins include, without limitation, the IL-2 receptor, IL-4 receptor, and LIF receptor. Binding of fusion protein to a multisubunit signaling receptor can induce a desired activity in the targeted cell. For example, some fusion proteins described herein induce an anti-proliferative effect on the targeted cell and reduce undesired activity on side effect cells, providing an improved therapeutic approach to cancer treatment. In some embodiments, described herein are fusion proteins comprising an antibody region that binds EGFRvIII, a protein domain that binds to the Type 1 interferon receptor, and a linker that connects the antibody region and the protein domain, and uses thereof for inducing anti-proliferative effects in cells expressing EGFRvIII and treating disease associated with constitutive EGFR signaling due to expression of EGFRvIII. The fusion proteins described herein exhibit enhanced specificity and therapeutic activity in target cells and reduce undesired targeting of side effect cells (e.g., normal, non-cancer cells).

In some embodiments, the fusion proteins described herein are chimeric activators As used herein, a “chimeric activator” refers to an engineered protein that binds to one or more receptors or antigens on the surface of a cell. A chimeric activator includes an “activity element,” a “targeting element,” and a polypeptide linker that connects the activity element and the targeting element. The activity element of the chimeric activator binds to a receptor on a target cell surface and has a biological activity, such as initiation of a signal transduction pathway that may result in a desired effect. The targeting element binds to a targeting receptor on the surface of the same cell, such as a cell surface antigen. The polypeptide linker connects the activity element and the targeting element such that both the activity and targeting elements can simultaneously bind to their receptors/antigens on the surface of the same cell. In some embodiments, the chimeric activators described herein also comprise at least one mutation in the activity element that reduces its biological activity relative to the natural protein or protein domain from which it was derived.

As used herein, a “protein domain” or “domain” refers to a distinct globular unit that can be identified as such by a structure determination method such as X-ray crystallography or NMR, by other biophysical methods such as scanning calorimetry according to which a protein domain melts as a distinct unit (see for example Pabo et al. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. (1979) 76(4):1608-12), or by sequence similarity to protein domains whose structure has been determined. The SCOP database (Murzin et al. J Mol Biol. (1995) 247(4):536-40) provides the identification of protein domains so that the domain organization of a new protein can be identified by sequence comparison. Protein domains comprise an amino acid sequence that is sufficient to drive folding of such a polypeptide into a discrete structure, in which essentially all of the rotatable bonds along the main chain of the polypeptide are constrained to within about 10 degrees. In contrast, linkers, short peptides, molten globules, and unstructured segments are examples of polypeptides that are not domains and do not have these characteristics.

Fusion Proteins

The present disclosure provides novel fusion proteins for treating cancer. As used herein, the term “fusion protein” refers to any protein or polypeptide that is comprised of peptides, polypeptides, or protein domains from at least two different sources (e.g. two different proteins). The term fusion protein also encompasses “chimeric activators.” The fusion proteins are capable of simultaneously binding to multiple unrelated receptors on the same target cell and induce a desired activity. As described herein, the fusion proteins comprise a first protein domain that binds to a multi-subunit signaling receptor, referred to as an activity element; a second protein domain (e.g., an antibody variable region element, a ligand, or other peptide) that binds to a cell surface receptor, referred to as a targeting element; and a linker that connects the activity element and the targeting element. In some embodiments, the activity element is mutated or altered so it has modified (e.g., increased or decreased) activity relative to its naturally occurring counterpart. One portion of the fusion protein functions as a targeting element and another portion of the fusion protein functions as the activity element. In some embodiments, the fusion protein is a chimeric activator comprising a protein domain that binds to Type 1 interferon receptor (IFNAR), an antibody that binds to EGFRvIII, and a linker that connects the protein domain and the antibody.

Type 1 interferons (IFN) are a subset of interferon proteins that bind to the Type 1 interferon receptor (IFNAR) complex. The IFNAR consists of two subunits IFNAR1 and IFNAR2, that upon ligand binding activate the Janus kinase (Jak) and signal transduction and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway to induce expression of more than 400 IFN-regulated genes. In mammals, IFNs are further subdivided into groups IFN-α, IFN-β, IFN-κ, IFN-δ, IFN-ε, IFN-τ, IFN-ω, and IFN-ζ. IFN-α is produced by leukocytes and has at least 13 subtypes including IFN-α1, IFN-α2, IFN-α4, IFN-α5, IFN-α6, IFN-α7, IFN-α8, IFN-α10, IFN-α13, IFN-α14, IFN-α16, IFN-α17, and IFN-α21. IFN-β is predominantly produced by fibroblasts has two subtypes: IFN-β1 and IFN-β3. Both IFN-α and IFN-β are involved in the innate immune response, and upon binding to the IFNAR complex induce anti-proliferative effects and the canonical anti-viral response. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a chimeric activator can comprise any one of Type 1 interferons such that it binds to the IFNAR1 subunit and IFNAR2 subunit.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is cell surface receptor that belongs to the ErbB family of receptors. EGFR binds ligands including epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α). Upon ligand binding, EGFR dimerizes and autophosphorylates tyrosine residues in the intracellular C-terminal portion of the receptor, which triggers a signaling cascade that results in expression of genes involved in modulating cell migration, adhesion, and proliferation. As used herein, “EGFRvIII” refers to EGFR variant type III that is produced due to an in-frame deletion of exons 2-7, which also generates a novel glycine residue at the new junction between exons 1 and 8. The deletion corresponds to removal of 267 amino acids of the extracellular domain of EGFR and an inability of EGFRvIII to bind its ligands. Despite the loss of ligand binding capability, EGFRvIII has been found to be phosphorylated and constitutively active, leading to sustained activation of anti-apoptotic and pro-invasive signaling pathways. Further enhancing the oncogenic and tumorigenic potential of cells expressing the EGFR variant, EGFRvIII has impaired internalization and degradation. In some embodiments, chimeric molecules described herein specifically bind to EGFRvIII. In some embodiments, chimeric molecules described herein include an antibody region that specifically binds to EGFRvIII. However, it should be appreciated that in some embodiments a chimeric molecule described herein can include a peptide (e.g., a ligand) that specifically binds to EGFRvIII instead of an antibody region.

As used herein, a “target cell” refers to a cell that expresses a target protein of interest (e.g., EGFRvIII). In some embodiments, the cell has one or more additional characteristics of a tumorigenic or cancer cell. As also used herein, a “targeting molecule” refers to a molecule on the cell surface that identifies the cell as a target for a desired activity. The targeting molecule can be detected (e.g., bound) by a portion of the chimeric activator. In some embodiments, expression and cell surface localization of EGFRvIII is the targeting molecule that is bound by the chimeric activator.

Protein Domains that Bind a Multisubunit Signaling Receptor

In some aspects of the disclosure, the fusion protein comprises a protein domain that binds to one or more subunits of a multisubunit signaling receptor. The protein domain that binds to one or more subunits of a multisubunit signaling receptor may also be referred to as an activity element. As used herein, the terms “multisubunit signaling receptor,” “multimeric receptor,” and “multimeric target” may be used interchangeably and refer to a receptor on the surface of a cell that is comprised of two or more subunits.

In some embodiments, the multisubunit signaling receptor is a homomultimeric receptor. In other embodiments, the multisubunit signaling receptor is a heteromultimeric receptor. In some embodiments, the protein domain of the fusion protein binds to at least two subunits of the multimeric receptor. In some embodiments, the multisubunit receptor is a metazoan signaling receptor.

As used herein, a “face” of a protein or protein domain refers to a surface of a protein. A protein or protein domain that binds to another molecule, such as a multisubunit receptor, by different faces of the protein domain means different amino acid residues of the protein domain interact with the other molecule. In some embodiments, the protein domain of the fusion protein binds to the multisubunit receptor by different faces of the protein domain. In some embodiments, one face of the protein domain of the fusion protein binds to one subunit of the multisubunit receptor and another face of the protein domain binds to another subunit of the multisubunit receptor.

In some embodiments, the protein domain that binds to the multisubunit signaling receptor is a cytokine or a hormone. In some embodiments, the multisubunit signaling receptor is the Type 1 interferon receptor. In some embodiments, the fusion protein comprises a protein domain that binds to the Type 1 interferon receptor (IFNAR). Preferably, the protein domain that binds to IFNAR activates the IFN signaling pathway and induces anti-proliferative effects. In some embodiments, the polypeptide binds to IFNAR and induces death of the target cell (e.g., cytotoxic effects). The anti-proliferative effects of the fusion protein or the chimeric activator can be evaluated by methods described herein or routine in the art.

As used herein, “IFNAR” or “IFNAR complex” refers to the combination of the IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 subunits that together comprise a functional Type 1 interferon receptor. In some embodiments, a protein domain that binds to the IFNAR complex binds first to the IFNAR1 subunit and then the IFNAR2 subunit. In some embodiments, the protein domain that binds to the IFNAR complex binds first the IFNAR2 subunit and then to the IFNAR1 subunit. It is known in the art that a polypeptide will bind first to a receptor or receptor subunit to which the polypeptide has the highest binding affinity. In some embodiments, the protein domain has a higher binding affinity to IFNAR2 compared to IFNAR1. Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, the polypeptide portion of chimeric activator binds first to IFNAR2. The polypeptide/IFNAR2 complex can diffuse in two dimensions in the cell membrane until it contacts a IFNAR1 subunit. The IFNAR1/IFNAR2/polypeptide trimeric complex is a signaling complex.

Other examples of multimeric signaling receptors include, without limitation. IL-2 receptor, IL-4 receptor, and LIF receptor. In some embodiments, the protein domain that binds to the multimeric signaling receptor is a cytokine or a hormone.

Any polypeptide or protein domain that binds to IFNAR can be used in the chimeric activators described herein. In preferred embodiments, the protein domain that binds IFNAR is a Type 1 interferon (IFN). In some embodiments, the IFN is an IFN-α selected from IFN-α1, IFN-α2, IFN-α4, IFN-α5, IFN-α6, IFN-α7, IFN-α8, IFN-α10, IFN-α13, IFN-α14, IFN-α16, IFN-α17, or IFN-α21. In some embodiments, the IFN is IFN-α2. In some embodiments, the IFN is an IFN-β selected from IFN-β1 or IFN-β3.

In some embodiments, the protein domain that binds to the IFNAR complex is a synthetic IFN. The amino acid sequence of a synthetic IFN may be generated by comparing the amino acid sequence of multiple (e.g., two or more) IFN and identifying a preferred amino acid sequence. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of a synthetic IFN may be generated by including one or more amino acid substitutions that stabilize and/or increase the intracellular activity of the chimeric activator. In some embodiments, the protein domain that binds to the IFNAR complex is IFNα2-1 and is provided by SEQ ID NO: 18.

As used herein, the “backbone amino acid sequence” of the IFN refers to any portion of the IFN protein or fragment excluding the portions of the IFN that binds to the IFNAR1 or IFNAR2 subunits of the Type 1 interferon receptor. In some embodiments, the backbone sequence of the IFN comprises one or more substitution mutations. In some embodiments, one or more substitution mutations are made in the backbone sequence of the IFN such that residue 23 is A, residue 26 is P, residue 44 is D, residue 52 is Q, residue 53 is A, residue 55 is S, residue 83 is E, residue 101 is T, residue 104 is V, residue 105 is G, residue 107 is E, or residue 125 is E.

In some embodiments, the one or more substitution mutations are selected to enhance one or more properties (e.g., folding, expression, and/or intracellular stability) of the polypeptide or of the fusion protein and/or the protein domain. In some embodiments the substitution mutations are selected to enhance the stability of the trimeric complex formed between the IFN (or protein domain of IFN) and the IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 subunits. Increasing the stability of said trimeric complex may result in a trimeric complex with features such as increased resistance to internalization, decreased trafficking to the lysosome, and/or resistance to degradation. Any of the foregoing features may increase the signaling (e.g., strength or duration) through the IFNAR signaling pathway and enhance the anti-proliferative effects of the chimeric activator.

As used herein, a “mutation” refers to a change in a nucleotide sequence relative to a wild-type form of a gene. A change in the nucleotide sequence may or may not lead to a change in the amino acid sequence, the three-dimensional structure of the protein, and/or the activity of the protein, relative to the wild-type form of the protein. In some embodiments a mutation may be a naturally occurring variant of the gene. In some embodiments a mutation results in a single amino acid substitution, two or more amino acid substitutions, one or more deletions, one or more insertions, or any combination of two or more thereof, in the protein sequence of any portion of the fusion proteins or chimeric activators described herein.

In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of the chimeric activator is at least 80% (e.g., 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%) identical to IFN-α2. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of a chimeric activator is at least 80% (e.g., 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%) identical to the sequence of one or more chimeric activators described herein. The “percent identity” of two amino acid sequences is determined using the algorithm of Karlin and Altschul Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 87:2264-68, 1990, modified as in Karlin and Altschul Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90:5873-77, 1993. Such an algorithm is incorporated into the NBLAST and XBLAST programs (version 2.0) of Altschul, et al. J. Mol. Biol. 215:403-10, 1990. BLAST protein searches can be performed with the XBLAST program, score=50, wordlength=3 to obtain amino acid sequences homologous to the protein molecules of interest. Where gaps exist between two sequences, Gapped BLAST can be utilized as described in Altschul et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 25(17):3389-3402, 1997. When utilizing BLAST and Gapped BLAST programs, the default parameters of the respective programs (e.g., XBLAST and NBLAST) can be used.

In some embodiments, aspects of the present disclosure are based on the recognition that modulating the binding affinity of a protein domain of the fusion protein to each of the receptor subunits of a multimeric (e.g., heterodimeric) receptor (e.g., the IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 subunits of IFNAR) results in enhanced signaling through the receptor (e.g., Type 1 interferon receptor). Such modulation can also result in enhanced specificity of the desired activity of the chimeric activator to the target cell and reduced activity on side effect cells. Aspects of the disclosure relate to protein domains that bind a multimeric target receptor (e.g., IFNAR) and comprise one or more mutations to modulate the binding affinity of the polypeptide to the receptor subunits (e.g., IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 subunits of IFNAR).

Binding or interaction between the protein domain of the fusion protein and the subunits of the multisubunit signaling receptor may induce a signaling transduction pathway in the cell that results in a desired activity in the cell (e.g., inhibit or prevent proliferation, induce cytotoxicity, induce or repress gene expression). In some embodiments, binding of the polypeptide portion of the chimeric activator to IFNAR results in a desired effect on the cell expressing IFNAR. In some embodiments, the desired effect is an anti-proliferative effect. The anti-proliferative effect can be measured directly by quantifying cellular proliferation by flow cytometry, cell counting, monitoring cellular metabolism or gene expression, or other methods known in the art. Binding of the polypeptide to IFNAR can be assessed by any method known in the art, including, without limitation, internal reflection fluorescence microscopy, reflectance interference detection, assessing IFNAR subunit conformational change, assessing Jak/Stat signaling pathway activation, assaying production of one or more cytokine induced by IFN or expression of any one or more genes regulated by IFN.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to mutations that effect the binding affinity of a polypeptide or protein domain to a receptor or antigen. As used herein, “binding affinity” refers to the apparent association constant or K_(A). The K_(A) is the reciprocal of the dissociation constant (K_(D)). The protein domain of a fusion protein described herein may have a binding affinity (K_(D)) of at least 10⁻⁵, 10⁻⁶, 10⁻⁷, 10⁻⁸, 10⁻⁹, 10⁻¹⁰ M, or lower to one or more subunits of the multimeric signaling receptor. An increased binding affinity corresponds to a decreased K_(D). Higher affinity binding of protein domain for a first molecule relative to a second molecule can be indicated by a higher K_(A) (or a smaller numerical value K_(D)) for binding the first molecule than the K_(A) (or numerical value K_(D)) for binding the second molecule. In some embodiments, mutations in the protein domain may result in altering (increasing or decreasing) the binding affinity of the protein domain to one or more subunits of the multimeric signaling receptor. In some embodiments, the binding affinity of the protein domain to one subunit of the multimeric receptor is substantially the same as the binding affinity of the protein domain to another subunit of the multimeric receptor.

In some embodiments, without the one or more amino acid substitutions, a protein domain binds to a first subunit (e.g., the IFNAR2 subunit) with a higher binding affinity relative to the binding affinity of the protein domain to the a second subunit (e.g., the IFNAR1 subunit). Mutations, such as substitutions, can be made to increase or decrease the binding affinity of the polypeptide to the first subunit (e.g., the IFNAR2 subunit). In some embodiments, the binding affinity of the protein domain to the first subunit (e.g., the IFNAR2 subunit) is reduced by at least 1.5-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, 8-, 9, 10-, 20-, 50-, 100-fold or more relative to the protein domain that does not contain the mutation(s). In some embodiments, the binding affinity of the polypeptide to the first subunit (e.g., the IFNAR2 subunit) is increased by at least 1.5-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, 8-, 9, 10-, 20-, 50-, 100-fold or more relative to the protein domain that does not contain the mutation(s). Mutations can be made to increase or decrease the binding affinity of the protein domain to the second subunit (e.g., the IFNAR1 subunit). In some embodiments, the binding affinity of the protein domain to the second subunit (e.g., the IFNAR1 subunit) is increased by at least 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, 8-, 9, 10-, 20-, 50-, 100-fold or more relative to the protein domain that does not contain the mutation(s). In some embodiments, the binding affinity of the polypeptide to the second subunit (e.g., the IFNAR1 subunit) is reduced by at least 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, 8-, 9, 10-, 20-, 50-, 100-fold or more relative to the protein domain that does not contain the mutation(s). In some embodiments, mutations are made to decrease the binding affinity of the polypeptide to the first subunit (e.g., the IFNAR2 subunit) and to increase the binding affinity of the polypeptide to the second subunit (e.g., the IFNAR1 subunit). In some embodiments, the binding affinity of the mutant polypeptide to the first subunit (e.g., the IFNAR2 subunit) is substantially equal to the binding affinity of the mutant polypeptide to the second subunit (e.g., the IFNAR1 subunit). In some embodiments, the binding affinity of the mutant polypeptide to the first subunit (e.g., the IFNAR2 subunit) is within a range of between 10:1 and 1:10 (e.g., between 5:1 and 1:5, between 2:1 and 1:2, or within a range of +/−50%) of the binding affinity of the mutant polypeptide to the second subunit (e.g., the IFNAR1 subunit). FIG. 3 illustrates examples of fusion proteins in which two mutations are introduced into a protein domain (INFα), with one mutation increasing binding affinity for one subunit, such as IFNAR1, and a second mutation decreasing binding affinity for the other receptor subunit, such as IFNAR2. The binding affinity of the resulting INFα for each receptor subunit is approximately equal.

In some embodiments, one or more substitution mutations may be made in the amino acid sequence of the protein domain that binds to IFNAR in order to modulate the binding affinity to IFNAR1 or IFNAR2. Substitution mutations can be selected from residues L30, R145, M149, E59, H58, and R150. In some embodiments, the one or more substitution mutations are selected from L30A, R145A, M149A, E59A, H58A, and R150A. In some embodiments, the IFN-α comprises mutations H58A and R150A. In some embodiments, the IFN-α comprises mutations E59A and M149A.

In some embodiments, the binding affinity of the protein domain of the fusion protein to the multimeric receptor is lower than the binding affinity of the antibody variable region element to the cell surface antigen. In some embodiments, the binding affinity of the protein domain of the fusion protein to IFNAR is lower than the binding affinity of the anti-EGFRvIII antibody element to EGFRvIII. In some embodiments, the binding affinity of the protein domain to the multimeric receptor (e.g., IFNAR) is at least 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, 8-, 9, 10-, 20-, 50-, 100-fold or more lower than the binding affinity of the antibody variable region element to the cell surface antigen (e.g., anti-EGFRvIII antibody element to EGFRvIII). In some embodiments, the binding affinity of the protein domain to IFNAR1 subunit, IFNAR2 subunit or both IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 subunits may be modulated (increased or decreased) to reduce undesired activity on side effect cells. In some embodiments, modulating the binding affinity of the polypeptide results in enhanced specificity of the activity of a chimeric activator to a target cell (e.g., a cell expressing EGFRvIII).

Binding affinity (or binding specificity) can be determined by a variety of methods including equilibrium dialysis, equilibrium binding, gel filtration, ELISA, surface plasmon resonance, or spectroscopy (e.g., using a fluorescence assay).

Antibody Variable Region Elements that Bind Cell Surface Antigens

Aspects of the disclosure provide fusion proteins comprising an antibody variable region element that binds to a cell surface antigen. The antibody variable region element may also be referred to as a targeting element. As used herein, a “cell surface antigen” refers to a molecule that is present on the surface of a cell and may identify the cell as a target cell. Any protein or fragment thereof that is present on the surface of the cell may be used as a cell surface antigen and bound by an antibody variable region element. In some embodiments, the cell surface antigen is a protein that indicates the cell is a cancer cell (i.e., is a cancer cell marker). In some embodiments, the cell surface antigen is EGFRvIII. In other embodiments, the cell surface antigen may be the tumor specific glycolipid GD2 or the B cell marker CD20, or any other cell surface molecule characteristic of a tumor cell.

The term antibody variable region element encompasses any antibody or fragment thereof, such as a full length immunoglobulin molecule, or an antigen-binding fragment thereof (such as Fab, Fab′, F(ab′)2, Fv), single chain (scFv), mutant thereof, fusion protein comprising an antibody portion, humanized antibody, chimeric antibody, diabody, linear antibody, single chain antibody, multispecific antibody (e.g., bispecific antibodies) and/or any other modified configuration of the immunoglobulin molecule that comprises an antigen recognition site of the required specificity. An antibody is capable of binding to a cell surface antigen, such as a cell surface receptor, through at least one antigen recognition site located at the variable region of the immunoglobulin molecule. In some embodiments, the antibody of the fusion proteins described herein is a scFv that binds to EGFRvIII (e.g., MR1-1). In some embodiments, the antibody of the fusion protein described herein is a full length immunoglobulin or fragment thereof that binds to EGFRvIII. In some embodiments, the antibody binding to EGFRvIII targets the chimeric activator to the desired target cell. In some embodiments, the target cell is a cancer cell.

Also within the scope of the present disclosure are antibodies that are derived from a parent antibody that is capable of binding to a cell surface antigen (e.g., EGFRvIII). The parent antibodies may specifically bind a desired epitope of EGFRvIII, for example, an epitope that is present on EGFRvIII. In some embodiments, the epitope to which the antibody binds is present on EGFRvIII but absent on full length EGFR. In some embodiments, the antibody is the MR1-1 scFv antibody. In some embodiments, the epitope comprises a novel glycine residue that is formed by the deletion of exons 2-7 in producing EGFRvIII.

One or more parent antibodies that may be used for constructing fusion proteins described herein can be naturally occurring antibodies (e.g., an antibody derived from a human, mouse, rat, rabbit, horse, or sheep), genetically engineered antibodies (e.g., humanized antibodies, chimeric antibodies), or antibodies derived from a natural or synthetic antibody library. In some embodiments, the antibody is a full length monoclonal antibody. In some embodiments, the antibody is a single chain antibody (svFc). In some embodiments, the svFc is MR1-1.

In some examples, the antibody can be an affinity matured antibody, which refers to an antibody having one or more modifications in one or more CDRs or framework regions (FRs) as compared to the unmodified parent antibody, leading to an improvement in the affinity of the antibody for the target antigen. Preferred affinity matured antibodies may have nanomolar or even picomolar affinities for the target antigen. Affinity maturation of an antibody can be performed by various methods known in the art, including by variable domain shuffling (see, e.g., Marks et al. 1992, Bio/Technology 10:779-783), random mutagenesis of CDR and/or FR residues (see, e.g., Barbas et al., 1994, Proc Nat. Acad. Sci, USA 91:3809-3813; Schier et al., 1995, Gene 169:147-155; Yelton et al., 1995, J. Immunol. 155:1994-2004; Jackson et al., 1995, J. Immunol. 154(7):3310-9; and Hawkins et al, 1992, J. Mol. Biol. 226:889-896). The parent antibodies can be of any class, such as IgD, IgE, IgG, IgA, or IgM, or a sub-class thereof, or a single chain antibody, such as a scFv.

In some embodiments, the antibody variable region element of the fusion protein specifically or selectively binds to the cell surface antigen. In some embodiments, the anti-EGFRvIII antibody of the fusion protein specifically or selectively binds to EGFRvIII. An antibody with “specific binding” reacts or associates more frequently, more rapidly, with greater duration and/or with greater affinity with the cell surface antigen than it does with a different molecule. The antibody variable region element may “specifically bind” to the cell surface antigen with greater affinity, avidity, more readily, and/or with greater duration than it binds to other substances. “Specific binding” does not necessarily require (although it can include) exclusive binding. Generally, but not necessarily, reference to binding means preferential binding. In some examples, an antibody that “specifically binds” to a target antigen or an epitope thereof may not bind to other antigens or other epitopes in the same antigen. In some embodiments, the fusion proteins described herein specifically bind to EGFRvIII. In some embodiments, the fusion proteins do not bind to full length EGFR. Other antibodies that specifically bind to EGFRvIII are compatible for use in the fusion proteins described herein and are known in the art, for example in Modjtahedi et al. 2003 Int. J. of Cancer 105(2) and PCT Application No. WO 2001/062931.

In some embodiments, a fusion protein as described herein has a binding affinity for EGFRvIII or epitopes thereof such that the fusion protein is targeted to a cell with EGFRvIII present on the cell surface. In some embodiments, the binding affinity of the fusion protein to EGFRvIII is higher than the binding affinity of the fusion protein to full length EGFR. In some embodiments, the binding affinity of the fusion protein to EGFRvIII is at least 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 37.5, 50, 70, 80, 91, 100, 500, 1000, 10,000 or 10⁵ fold higher than the binding affinity of the chimeric activator to full length EGFR.

In one example, the anti-EGFRvIII antibody of the chimeric activator described herein is a scFv that selectively binds to EGFRvIII. In some embodiments, the scFv that binds to EGFRvIII is MR1-1. In some embodiments, the antibody that binds to EGFRvIII is derived from MR1-1, which is described in PCT Application WO 2001/062931, incorporated by reference herein. The heavy chain and light chain sequences of MR1-1 are provided below.

Heavy chain sequence of MR1-1 (SEQ ID NO: 15) EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCKVSGFTFSSYGMSWVRQAPGKGLEW VASISTGGYNTYYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVY YCARGYSPYSYAMDYWGQGTTVTVS Light chain sequence of MR1-1 (SEQ ID NO: 16) DIQMTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTITCRASTDIDNDMNWYQQKPGQAPKLL IYEGNSLQSGVPSRFSSSGSGTDFTLTISSLQPEDFATYYCLQSWNV PLTFGQGTKLEIK

In other embodiments, the anti EGFRvIII antibody is the monoclonal antibody 806 or a fragment or variant therefor (see, for example, Johns et al. J. Biol. Chem. (2004) 279(29): 30375-84).

These may be linked by a suitable linker as illustrated herein. As is well known in the art, within the antigen-binding portion of an antibody there are complementarity determining regions (CDRs), which directly interact with the epitope of the antigen, and framework regions (FRs), which maintain the tertiary structure of the antigen-binding portion (see, in general, Clark, 1986; Roitt, 1991). In both the heavy chain and the light chain of IgG immunoglobulins, there are four framework regions (FR1-FR4) separated respectively by three complementarity determining regions (CDR1-CDR3). The CDRs, and in particular the CDR3 regions, and more particularly the heavy chain CDR3, are largely responsible for antibody specificity.

In some examples, the anti-EGFRvIII antibody is a functional variant of MR1-1, which comprises up to 5 (e.g., 4, 3, 2, or 1) amino acid residue variations in one or more of the CDR regions of MR1-1 and binds EGFRvIII with substantially similar affinity as MR1-1 (e.g., having a KD value in the same order). In one example, the amino acid residue variations are conservative amino acid residue substitutions. As used herein, a “conservative amino acid substitution” refers to an amino acid substitution that does not alter the relative charge or size characteristics of the protein in which the amino acid substitution is made. Variants can be prepared according to methods for altering polypeptide sequence known to one of ordinary skill in the art such as are found in references which compile such methods, e.g., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, J. Sambrook, et al., eds., Second Edition, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., 1989, or Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, F. M. Ausubel, et al., eds., John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York. Conservative substitutions of amino acids include substitutions made amongst amino acids within the following groups: (a) M, I, L, V; (b) F, Y, W; (c) K, R, H; (d) A, G; (e) S, T; (f) Q, N; and (g) E, D.

In some embodiments, the anti-EGFRvIII comprises heavy chain CDRs that are at least 80% (e.g., 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99%) identical to the corresponding heavy chain CDRs of MR1-1 and/or light chain CDRs that are at least 80% (e.g., 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99%) identical to the corresponding light chain CDRs of MR1-1. In some embodiments, the anti-EGFRvIII antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region that is at least 80% (e.g., 85%, 90%, 95%, or 98%) identical to the heavy chain variable region of MR1-1 and/or light chain variable region that is at least 80% (e.g., 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99%) identical to the light chain variable region of MR1-1.

In one example, the anti-EGFRvIII of the chimeric activator comprises the same heavy chain variable region (SEQ ID NO:15) and light chain variable region (SEQ ID NO:16) as MR1-1.

In another example, the heavy chain variable region and light chain variable region of MR1-1 can be combined with the constant regions of an immunoglobulin to produce a full length immunoglobulin or fragment thereof that specifically binds to EGFRvIII. In some embodiments, the heavy chain CDR sequences and light chain CDR sequences of MR1-1 are combined with the variable regions and constant regions of an immunoglobulin to produce a full length immunoglobulin or fragment thereof that specifically binds to EGFRvIII. The constant regions can be from any antibody isotype including IgG, IgA, IgM, IgE, IgD.

Also within the scope of the disclosure are antibody variable region elements that bind any other cell surface antigens. In other embodiments, the cell surface antigen may be the tumor specific glycolipid GD2 or the B cell marker CD20, or any other tumor or disease-associated cell surface antigen. In some embodiments, the cell surface antigen is GD2 and the antibody variable region element is the 14.18 antibody or fragment or variant thereof (Ch14.18; see, for example Barker et al. Cancer Res. (1991) 51(1): 144-149). In some embodiments, the cell surface antigen is CD20 and the antibody variable region element is rituximab, or a fragment or variant thereof.

Linker

As used herein a “linker” refers to a polypeptide or a nucleic acid that functions to attach two portions of a chimeric activator. The linker of the fusion proteins described herein connects the protein domain and the antibody variable region element. In some embodiments, the linker connects the C-terminal end of the antibody variable region element to the N-terminal end of the protein domain. In other embodiments, the linker connects the N-terminal end of the antibody variable region element to the C-terminal end of the protein domain.

A linker can comprise, for example 10 to 200 or more amino acids. In some embodiments, the linker comprises 15-100, or 30-50 amino acids. In other embodiments, the linker comprises, for example, 10 to 1000 nucleotides or more. In some embodiments, the linker comprises 100-900, 200-800, 300-700, 500-1000, or 700-1000 nucleotides. The amino acid sequence and/or length of the linker can be optimized for one or more desired properties (e.g., separation of the polypeptide and the antibody portions, prevention of self-binding of the portions of the chimeric activator). In some embodiments, the length of the linker allows for binding of the protein domain to the multisubunit signaling receptor and binding of the antibody variable region element to the cell surface antigen on the same cell. In some embodiments, the length of the linker allows for binding of the protein domain to the multisubunit signaling receptor and binding of the antibody variable region element to the cell surface antigen at the same time.

In some embodiments, the linker has a net charge. In some embodiments, the linker has a negative net charge. In such embodiments, the amino acid residues of the linker are selected from the group consisting of glycine, serine, glutamate, and aspartate. In some embodiments, the linker comprises repeats (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 20 more repeats) of GGGSE (SEQ ID NO:11), GSESG (SEQ ID NO:12), or GSEGS (SEQ ID NO:13). In some embodiments the linker comprises the sequence or SEQ ID NO:14: GEGGSGEGSSGEGSSSEGGGSEGGGSEGGGSEGG.

In some embodiments, the linker consists of a sequence with uncharged amino acids that promote flexibility and mitigate against formation of a folded structure, with glutamic acid or aspartic acid present at regularly spaced intervals. In some embodiments, the uncharged amino acids are selected from glycine, serine, alanine, proline and threonine. In some embodiments, the uncharged amino acids are present in a non-repetitive pattern. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, the interspersing uncharged amino acids in a non-repetitive pattern provides that the nucleic acid encoding an expression construct for such a linker is also non-repetitive and therefore may be less likely to undergo internal recombination events that lead to deletion. FIG. 2 illustrates examples of linkers in which a charged amino acid is present with a regular spacing and the uncharged amino acids are present in a non-repeating pattern. In some embodiments, the linker comprises negatively charged amino acids with regular spacing interspersed with non-charged amino acids, for example in non-regular spacing.

In other embodiments, the linker has a positive net charge. In such embodiments, the amino acid residues of the linker are selected from the group consisting of lysine, histidine, and arginine.

Anti-EGFR/Anti-Type 1 IFN Receptor Fusion Proteins

In some embodiments, the fusion proteins described herein may comprise a protein domain that binds to IFNAR, an antibody that binds to EGFRvIII, and a linker that connects the protein domain and the antibody. In some embodiments, the polypeptide comprises an interferon (IFN). In some embodiments, the antibody that binds EGFRvIII comprises a single chain antibody (scFv). In some embodiments, the scFv is MR1-1. In some embodiments, the C-terminus of the heavy chain variable region of MR1-1 (SEQ ID NO:15) or the C-terminus of the light chain variable region of MR1-1 (SEQ ID NO: 16) is fused to the linker. In some embodiments, the linker is connected to N-terminus of the heavy chain variable region of MR1-1 (SEQ ID NO:15) or the N-terminus of the light chain variable region of MR1-1 (SEQ ID NO: 16). In some embodiments, the antibody that binds to EGFRvIII is the antibody 806. In some embodiments, the C-terminus of the antibody 806 is fused to the linker.

In some embodiments, the linker is connected to the N-terminus of the protein domain. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the C-terminus of the protein domain is fused to the linker. Non-limiting examples of linker sequences compatible for use in generating chimeric activators are described herein.

The heavy chain variable region of a svFc can be connected to the light chain variable region of a svFc with a peptide linker, such as a peptide that is rich in Gly and/or Ser residues, which are known in the art. The peptide linker can comprise, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more amino acid residues (e.g., up to 50 amino acid residues). In some embodiments, the peptide linker can comprise 2-50, 5-25, or 5-20 amino acids. In some embodiments, the peptide linker is a peptide rich in glycine residues. In some embodiments, the peptide linker is rich in both G and S.

Amino acid sequences for examples of fusion proteins are provided below.

MR1-1 IFNa 2-1b wt (SEQ ID NO: 1) consists of the heavy chain variable sequence of MR1-1, a glycine-serine linker (underlined), light chain variable sequence of MR1-1, charged linker (underlined), and IFNα2-1b (bold) (SEQ ID NO: 1) EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCKVSGFTFSSYGMSWVRQAPGKGLEW VASISTGGYNTYYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVY YCARGYSPYSYAMDYWGQGTTVTVSGGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSDIQMTQ SPSSLSASVGDRVTITCRASTDIDNDMNWYQQKPGQAPKLLIYEGNS LQSGVPSRFSSSGSGTDFTLTISSLQPEDFATYYCLQSWNVPLTFGQ GTKLEIKGEGGSGEGSSGEGSSSEGGGSEGGGSEGGGSEGGS CDLPQ THSLGSRRTLMLLPQMRRISPFSCLKDRHDFGFPQEEFDGNQFQKAQ AISVLHEMIQQIFNLFSTKDSSAAWDETLLEKFYTELYQQLNDLEAC VTQEVGVEETPLMNEDSILAVKKYFQRITLYLTEKKYSPCAWEVVRA EIMRSFSLSTNLQERLRRKEHHHHHH MR1-1 IFNa 2-1b L30A (SEQ ID NO: 2) consists of the heavy chain variable sequence of MR1-1, a glycine-serine linker (underlined), light chain variable sequence of MR1-1, charged linker (underlined), and IFNα2-b with L30A substitution (bold) (SEQ ID NO: 2) EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCKVSGFTFSSYGMSWVRQAPGKGLEW VASISTGGYNTYYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVY YCARGYSPYSYAMDYWGQGTTVTVSGGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSDIQMTQ SPSSLSASVGDRVTITCRASTDIDNDMNWYQQKPGQAPKLLIYEGNS LQSGVPSRFSSSGSGTDFTLTISSLQPEDFATYYCLQSWNVPLTFGQ GTKLEIKGEGGSGEGSSGEGSSSEGGGSEGGGSEGGGSEGGS CDLPQ THSLGSRRTLMLIAQMRRISPFSCAKDRHDFGFPQEEFDGNQFQKAQ AISVLHEMIQQIFNLFSTKDSSAAWDETLLEKFYTELYQQLNDLEAC VTQEVGVEETPLMNEDSILAVKKYFQRITLYLTEKKYSPCAWEVVRA EIMRSFSLSTNLQERLRRKEHHHHHH MR1-1 IFNa 2-1b R145A (SEQ ID NO: 3) consists of the heavy chain variable sequence of MR1-1, a glycine-serine linker (underlined), light chain variable sequence of MR1-1, charged linker (underlined), and IFNα2-b with R145A substitution (bold) (Seq ID NO: 3) EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCKVSGFTFSSYGMSWVRQAPGKGLEW VASISTGGYNTYYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVY YCARGYSPYSYAMDYWGQGTTVTVSGGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSDIQMTQ SPSSLSASVGDRVTITCRASTDIDNDMNWYQQKPGQAPKLLIYEGNS LQSGVPSRFSSSGSGTDFTLTISSLQPEDFATYYCLQSWNVPLTFGQ GTKLEIKGEGGSGEGSSGEGSSSEGGGSEGGGSEGGGSEGGS CDLPQ THSLGSRRTLMLIAQMRRISPFSCLKDRHDFGFPQEEFDGNQFQKAQ AISVLHEMIQQIFNLFSTKDSSAAWDETLLEKFYTELYQQLNDLEAC VTQEVGVEETPLMNEDSILAVKKYFQRITLYLTEKKYSPCAWEVVAA EIMRSFSLSTNLQERLRRKEHHHHHH MR1-1 IFNa 2-1b E59A M149A (SEQ ID NO: 4) consists of the heavy chain variable sequence of MR1-1, a glycine-serine linker (underlined), light chain variable sequence of MR1-1, charged linker (underlined), and IFNα2-b with E59A M149 substitutions (bold) (SEQ ID NO: 4) EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCKVSGFTFSSYGMSWVRQAPGKGLEW VASISTGGYNTYYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVY YCARGYSPYSYAMDYWGQGTTVTVSGGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSDIQMTQ SPSSLSASVGDRVTITCRASTDIDNDMNWYQQKPGQAPKLLIYEGNS LQSGVPSRFSSSGSGTDFTLTISSLQPEDFATYYCLQSWNVPLTFGQ GTKLEIKGEGGSGEGSSGEGSSSEGGGSEGGGSEGGGSEGGS CDLPQ THSLGSRRTLMLIAQMRRISPFSCLKDRHDFGFPQEEFDGNQFQKAQ AISVLHAMIQQIFNLFSTKDSSAAWDETLLEKFYTELYQQLNDLEAC VTQEVGVEETPLMNEDSILAVKKYFQRITLYLTEKKYSPCAWEVVRA EIARSFSLSTNLQERLRRKEHHHHHH MR1-1 IFNa 2-1b H58A R150A (SEQ ID NO: 5) consists of the heavy chain variable sequence of MR1-1, a glycine-serine linker (underlined), light chain variable sequence of MR1-1, charged linker (underlined), and IFNα2-b with H58A R150A substitutions (bold) (SEQ ID NO: 5) EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCKVSGFTFSSYGMSWVRQAPGKGLEW VASISTGGYNTYYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVY YCARGYSPYSYAMDYWGQGTTVTVSGGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSDIQMTQ SPSSLSASVGDRVTITCRASTDIDNDMNWYQQKPGQAPKLLIYEGNS LQSGVPSRFSSSGSGTDFTLTISSLQPEDFATYYCLQSWNVPLTFGQ GTKLEIKGEGGSGEGSSGEGSSSEGGGSEGGGSEGGGSEGGS CDLPQ THSLGSRRTLMLLAQMRRISPFSCLKDRHDFGFPQEEFDGNQFQKAQ AISVLAEMIQQIFNLFSTKDSSAAWDETLLEKFYTELYQQLNDLEAC VTQEVGVEETPLMNEDSILAVKKYFQRITLYLTEKKYSPCAWEVVRA EIMASFSLSTNLQERLRRKEHHHHHH

In the preceding sequences, the protein domain (IFN element) is based on the following sequence, which is particularly useful as a domain with Type 1 IFN activity:

SEQ ID NO: 18. CDLPQTHSLGSRRTLMLLAQMRRISPFSCLKDRHDFGFPQEEFDGNQ FQKAQAISVLHEMIQQIFNLFSTKDSSAAWDETLLEKFYTELYQQLN DLEACVTQEVGVEETPLMNEDSILAVKKYFQRITLYLTEKKYSPCAW EVVRAEIMRSFSLSTNLQERLRRKE

This polypeptide sequence may be fused to scFvs or other targeting moieties such as whole antibodies, Fab fragments, minibodies, diabodies, camelid-based single-domain V regions, or non-antibody-based binding units such as short peptide aptamers or naturally occurring ligands. Targeting elements (antibody variable region elements) that bind to tumor cells, tumor-associated cells such as stroma or endothelia, or virus-infected cells may be useful as in fusion proteins with the protein domain provided by SEQ ID NO: 18.

Preparation of Fusion Proteins

Methods known in the art, e.g., using standard recombinant technology, can be used for preparing the chimeric activators based on the present disclosure.

Antibody variable region elements can be obtained via routine technology from suitable sources, e.g., PCR amplification from a suitable source. Similarly, protein domains may be obtained from a any suitable source. In one example, the DNA encoding an antibody variable region element that binds to a cell surface antigen and/or a protein domain that binds to a multisubunit signaling receptor can be readily isolated and sequenced using conventional procedures (e.g., by using oligonucleotide probes that are capable of binding specifically to genes encoding the antibody and/or protein domain.

Nucleotide sequences encoding one or more of portion of the fusion proteins as described herein can be cloned into one or more expression vector, each nucleotide sequence being operably linked to a suitable promoter. Alternatively, the nucleotides sequences can be operably linked with a single promoter, such that each of the sequences is expressed from the same promoter as a single protein. In some embodiments, the antibody variable region element is a full length immunoglobulin, or fragment or derivative thereof, comprising two chains. In such examples, the two chains of the antibody portion of the fusion protein may be expressed separately (as two polypeptides) and can be controlled by a common promoter. In other examples, the expression of each of the two chains of the fusion protein is under the control of a distinct promoter. In some embodiments, the nucleotide sequences encoding the two chains of the fusion protein are cloned into two vectors, which can be introduced into the same or different cells. When the two chains are expressed in different cells, each of them can be isolated from the host cells expressing such and the two isolated chains can be mixed and incubated under suitable conditions allowing for the formation of the chimeric activator.

Generally, a nucleic acid sequence encoding one or all chains of a chimeric activator can be cloned into a suitable expression vector in operable linkage with a suitable promoter using methods known in the art. The selection of expression vectors/promoter would depend on the type of host cells for use in producing the antibodies.

A variety of promoters can be used for expression of the fusion proteins (e.g., chimeric activators) described herein. In some embodiments, the fusion proteins are expressed in Pichia pastoris and the promoter is the U6 promoter or the AOX promoter (see, for example, Daly et al. J. Mol. Recognoit. (2005) 18(2) p 119-38. Other examples of promoters include, without limitation, including, but not limited to, cytomegalovirus (CMV) intermediate early promoter, a viral LTR such as the Rous sarcoma virus LTR, HIV-LTR, HTLV-1 LTR, the simian virus 40 (SV40) early promoter, E. coli lac UV5 promoter, and the herpes simplex tk virus promoter.

Regulatable promoters can also be used, such as regulatable promoters that include a repressor with the operon can be used. In one embodiment, the lac repressor from E. coli can function as a transcriptional modulator to regulate transcription from lac operator-bearing mammalian cell promoters [M. Brown et al., Cell, 49:603-612 (1987)]; Gossen and Bujard (1992); [M. Gossen et al., Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 89:5547-5551 (1992)] combined the tetracycline repressor (tetR) with the transcription activator (VP 16) to create a tetR-mammalian cell transcription activator fusion protein, tTa (tetR-VP 16), with the tetO-bearing minimal promoter derived from the human cytomegalovirus (hCMV) major immediate-early promoter to create a tetR-tet operator system to control gene expression in mammalian cells. In one embodiment, a tetracycline inducible switch is used. The tetracycline repressor (tetR) alone, rather than the tetR-mammalian cell transcription factor fusion derivatives can function as potent trans-modulator to regulate gene expression in mammalian cells when the tetracycline operator is properly positioned downstream for the TATA element of the CMVIE promoter (Yao et al., Human Gene Therapy). One particular advantage of this tetracycline inducible switch is that it does not require the use of a tetracycline repressor-mammalian cells transactivator or repressor fusion protein, which in some instances can be toxic to cells (Gossen et al., Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 89:5547-5551 (1992); Shockett et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 92:6522-6526 (1995)), to achieve its regulatable effects.

Additionally, the vector can contain, for example, some or all of the following: a selectable marker gene, such as the neomycin gene for selection of stable or transient transfectants in mammalian cells; enhancer/promoter sequences from the immediate early gene of human CMV for high levels of transcription; transcription termination and RNA processing signals from SV40 for mRNA stability; SV40 polyoma origins of replication and ColE1 for proper episomal replication; internal ribosome binding sites (IRESes), versatile multiple cloning sites; and T7 and SP6 RNA promoters for in vitro transcription of RNA. Suitable vectors and methods for producing vectors containing transgenes are well known and available in the art.

Examples of polyadenylation signals useful to practice the methods described herein include, but are not limited to, human collagen I polyadenylation signal, human collagen II polyadenylation signal, and SV40 polyadenylation signal.

One or more vectors (e.g., expression vectors) comprising nucleic acids encoding any of the fusion proteins may be introduced into suitable host cells for producing the chimeric activator. The host cells can be cultured under suitable conditions for expression of the fusion protein or any polypeptide chain thereof. Such fusion proteins or polypeptide chains thereof can be recovered by the cultured cells (e.g., from the cells or the culture supernatant) via a conventional method, e.g., affinity purification. If necessary, polypeptide chains of the fusion protein can be incubated under suitable conditions for a suitable period of time allowing for production of the chimeric activator.

Suitable host cells for use in preparing the fusion proteins described herein can be any host cells known in the art that can be used for protein production, including, but not limited to, bacterial cells, yeast cells, fungal cells, insect cells, plant cells, or mammalian cells.

The fusion proteins described herein can be produced in bacterial cells, e.g., E. coli cells. Alternatively, the chimeric activators can be produced in eukaryotic cells. In one embodiment, the antibodies are expressed in a yeast cell such as Pichia pastoris (see, e.g., Powers et al., 2001, J. Immunol. Methods. 251:123-35), Hanseula, or Saccharomyces. In another embodiment, the chimeric activators can be produced in mammalian cells. Mammalian host cells for expressing the molecules include, but are not limited to, 293 cells (see, e.g., ATCC CRL-1573, American Type Culture Collection®, and Expi293F™ cells, Life Technologies™), Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO cells) (including dhfr− CHO cells, described in Urlaub and Chasin, 1980, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 77:4216-4220, used with a DHFR selectable marker, e.g., as described in Kaufman and Sharp, 1982, Mol. Biol. 159:601 621), lymphocytic cell lines, e.g., NSO myeloma cells and SP2 cells, COS cells, and a cell from a transgenic animal, e.g., a transgenic mammal. For example, the cell is a mammary epithelial cell.

In some embodiments, methods for preparing a chimeric activator described herein involve a recombinant expression vector that encodes both the heavy chain and the light chain of an anti-EGFRvIII antibody, wherein the heavy chain and the light chain can be fused (e.g., at the C-terminus) to a linker that is fused to a polypeptide that binds to IFNAR, as also described herein. In some embodiments, the methods for preparing a chimeric activator described herein involve a recombinant expression vector that encodes a single chain antibody (scFv) comprising the heavy chain variable region and the light chain variable region of MR1-1, in which case the heavy chain variable region or the light chain variable region is fused to a to a linker that is fused to a polypeptide that binds to IFNAR, as also described herein. The recombinant expression vector can be introduced into a suitable host cell (e.g., a P. pastoris cell) by a conventional method. Positive host cells that express the fusion proteins can be selected and cultured under suitable conditions allowing for the expression of the one or more chains that form the chimeric activator, which can be recovered from the cells or from the culture medium, as described in the Examples.

In other embodiments, the components of the fusion proteins are expressed and/or produced independently and subsequently combined. In some embodiments, the protein domain and the antibody variable region element are expressed each comprising a tag that allows covalent attachment of the components with a linker. Examples of such tags include a SNAP tag or a CLIP tag (see, e.g., Keppler et al. Nat. Biotech. (2002) 21: 86-9).

Standard molecular biology techniques are used to prepare the recombinant expression vector, transfect the host cells, select for transformants, culture the host cells and recovery of the fusion proteins from the culture medium. For example, the fusion proteins can be isolated by affinity chromatography with a Protein A or Protein G coupled matrix.

Pharmaceutical Compositions

The fusion proteins (the encoding isolated nucleic acid, vectors comprising such, or host cells comprising the vectors) as described herein can be mixed with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier (excipient) to form a pharmaceutical composition for use in treating a target disease. A “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” or “pharmaceutically acceptable excipient” refer to a carrier that must be compatible with the active ingredient of the composition (and preferably, capable of stabilizing the active ingredient) and not deleterious to the subject to be treated. Pharmaceutically acceptable excipients (carriers) including buffers, which are well known in the art. See, e.g., Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy 20th Ed. (2000) Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, Ed. K. E. Hoover.

The pharmaceutical compositions to be used in the present methods can comprise pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, excipients, or stabilizers in the form of lyophilized formulations or aqueous solutions. (Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy 20th Ed. (2000) Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, Ed. K. E. Hoover). Acceptable carriers, excipients, or stabilizers are nontoxic to recipients at the dosages and concentrations used, and may comprise buffers such as phosphate, citrate, and other organic acids; antioxidants including ascorbic acid and methionine; preservatives (such as octadecyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride; hexamethonium chloride; benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride; phenol, butyl or benzyl alcohol; alkyl parabens such as methyl or propyl paraben; catechol; resorcinol; cyclohexanol; 3-pentanol; and m-cresol); low molecular weight (less than about 10 residues) polypeptides; proteins, such as serum albumin, gelatin, or immunoglobulins; hydrophilic polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone; amino acids such as glycine, glutamine, asparagine, histidine, arginine, or lysine; monosaccharides, disaccharides, and other carbohydrates including glucose, mannose, or dextrans; chelating agents such as EDTA; sugars such as sucrose, mannitol, trehalose or sorbitol; salt-forming counter-ions such as sodium; metal complexes (e.g., Zn-protein complexes); and/or non-ionic surfactants such as TWEEN™, PLURONICS™ or polyethylene glycol (PEG).

In some examples, the pharmaceutical composition described herein comprises liposomes containing the fusion protein (or the encoding isolated nucleic acid) which can be prepared by methods known in the art, such as described in Epstein, et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 82:3688 (1985); Hwang, et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 77:4030 (1980); and U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,485,045 and 4,544,545. Liposomes with enhanced circulation time are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,013,556. Particularly useful liposomes can be generated by the reverse phase evaporation method with a lipid composition comprising phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol and PEG-derivatized phosphatidylethanolamine (PEG-PE). Liposomes are extruded through filters of defined pore size to yield liposomes with the desired diameter.

In other examples, the pharmaceutical composition described herein can be formulated in sustained-release format. Suitable examples of sustained-release preparations include semipermeable matrices of solid hydrophobic polymers containing the fusion protein, which matrices are in the form of shaped articles, e.g., films, or microcapsules. Examples of sustained-release matrices include polyesters, hydrogels (for example, poly(2-hydroxyethyl-methacrylate), or poly(v nylalcohol)), polylactides (U.S. Pat. No. 3,773,919), copolymers of L-glutamic acid and 7 ethyl-L-glutamate, non-degradable ethylene-vinyl acetate, degradable lactic acid-glycolic acid copolymers such as the LUPRON DEPOT™ (injectable microspheres composed of lactic acid-glycolic acid copolymer and leuprolide acetate), sucrose acetate isobutyrate, and poly-D-(+3-hydroxybutyric acid.

The pharmaceutical compositions to be used for in vivo administration must be sterile. This is readily accomplished by, for example, filtration through sterile filtration membranes. Therapeutic compositions are generally placed into a container having a sterile access port, for example, an intravenous solution bag or vial having a stopper pierceable by a hypodermic injection needle.

The pharmaceutical compositions described herein can be in unit dosage forms such as tablets, pills, capsules, powders, granules, solutions or suspensions, or suppositories, for oral, parenteral or rectal administration, or administration by inhalation or insufflation.

For preparing solid compositions such as tablets, the principal active ingredient can be mixed with a pharmaceutical carrier, e.g., conventional tableting ingredients such as corn starch, lactose, sucrose, sorbitol, talc, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, dicalcium phosphate or gums, and other pharmaceutical diluents, e.g., water, to form a solid preformulation composition containing a homogeneous mixture of a compound of the present disclosure, or a non-toxic pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. When referring to these preformulation compositions as homogeneous, it is meant that the active ingredient is dispersed evenly throughout the composition so that the composition may be readily subdivided into equally effective unit dosage forms such as tablets, pills and capsules. This solid preformulation composition is then subdivided into unit dosage forms of the type described above containing from 0.1 to about 500 mg of the active ingredient of the present disclosure. The tablets or pills of the novel composition can be coated or otherwise compounded to provide a dosage form affording the advantage of prolonged action. For example, the tablet or pill can comprise an inner dosage and an outer dosage component, the latter being in the form of an envelope over the former. The two components can be separated by an enteric layer that serves to resist disintegration in the stomach and permits the inner component to pass intact into the duodenum or to be delayed in release. A variety of materials can be used for such enteric layers or coatings, such materials including a number of polymeric acids and mixtures of polymeric acids with such materials as shellac, cetyl alcohol and cellulose acetate.

Suitable surface-active agents include, in particular, non-ionic agents, such as polyoxyethylenesorbitans (e.g., Tween™ 20, 40, 60, 80 or 85) and other sorbitans (e.g., Span™ 20, 40, 60, 80 or 85). Compositions with a surface-active agent will conveniently comprise between 0.05 and 5% surface-active agent, and can be between 0.1 and 2.5%. It will be appreciated that other ingredients may be added, for example mannitol or other pharmaceutically acceptable vehicles, if necessary.

Suitable emulsions may be prepared using commercially available fat emulsions, such as Intralipid™, Liposyn™, Infonutrol™, Lipofundin™ and Lipiphysan™. The active ingredient may be either dissolved in a pre-mixed emulsion composition or alternatively it may be dissolved in an oil (e.g., soybean oil, safflower oil, cottonseed oil, sesame oil, corn oil or almond oil) and an emulsion formed upon mixing with a phospholipid (e.g., egg phospholipids, soybean phospholipids or soybean lecithin) and water. It will be appreciated that other ingredients may be added, for example glycerol or glucose, to adjust the tonicity of the emulsion. Suitable emulsions will typically contain up to 20% oil, for example, between 5 and 20%. The fat emulsion can comprise fat droplets between 0.1 and 1.0 .im, particularly 0.1 and 0.5 .im, and have a pH in the range of 5.5 to 8.0.

The emulsion compositions can be those prepared by mixing a chimeric activator with Intralipid™ or the components thereof (soybean oil, egg phospholipids, glycerol and water).

Pharmaceutical compositions for inhalation or insufflation include solutions and suspensions in pharmaceutically acceptable, aqueous or organic solvents, or mixtures thereof, and powders. The liquid or solid compositions may contain suitable pharmaceutically acceptable excipients as set out above. In some embodiments, the compositions are administered by the oral or nasal respiratory route for local or systemic effect.

Compositions in preferably sterile pharmaceutically acceptable solvents may be nebulised by use of gases. Nebulised solutions may be breathed directly from the nebulising device or the nebulising device may be attached to a face mask, tent or intermittent positive pressure breathing machine. Solution, suspension or powder compositions may be administered, preferably orally or nasally, from devices which deliver the formulation in an appropriate manner.

Methods of Treatment

In some embodiments, the fusion proteins, the encoding isolated nucleic acid, vectors comprising such, or host cells comprising the vectors, described herein are useful for treating cancer associated with expression of a target molecule (e.g., EGFRvIII, e.g., characterized by constitutive EGFR signaling, unregulated cellular growth and proliferation, survival, invasive capacity, and/or angiogenesis).

To practice the method disclosed herein, an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition described herein can be administered to an individual (e.g., a human) in need of the treatment via a suitable route, such as intravenous administration, e.g., by intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intracerebrospinal, subcutaneous, intra-articular, intrasynovial, intrathecal, oral, inhalation or topical routes. The individual to be treated by the methods described herein can be a mammal, for example a human. Mammals include, but are not limited to, farm animals, sport animals, pets, primates, horses, dogs, cats, mice and rats. A human who needs the treatment may be a human patient having, at risk for, or suspected of having a cancer, such as a glioblastoma, a squamous cell carcinoma, a solid tumor, or other cancer or condition associated with a target molecule of interest. A subject having a cancer can be identified by routine medical examination, e.g., laboratory tests, organ functional tests, CT scans, or ultrasounds. A subject suspected of having a cancer might show one or more symptoms of the disease/disorder. A subject at risk for the disease/disorder can be a subject having one or more of the risk factors for that cancer.

In some embodiments, the method for treating the individual with cancer comprises detecting whether the cancer expresses EGFRvIII. If expression of EGFRvIII is detected, the individual may be administered an effective amount of the fusion protein described herein. Detection of whether a cancer expresses EGFRvIII may be performed by any method known in the art or described herein. For example, a sample can be obtained from the individual and the expression of EGFRvIII can be detected using methods including, without limitation immunofluorescence, Western blotting, fluorescence in situ hybridization using a probe the binds to the EGFRvIII RNA, PCR amplification of the EGFR gene using oligonucleotide that flank exons 2 and 7, sequencing of the EGFR genomic locus, or evaluating activity of EGFRvIII (e.g., constitutive signaling).

Cancer is a disease characterized by uncontrolled or aberrantly controlled cell proliferation and other malignant cellular properties (for example resulting from constitutive EGFR signaling). As used herein, the term cancer includes, but is not limited to, the following types of cancer: breast cancer; biliary tract cancer; bladder cancer; brain cancer including glioblastomas and medulloblastomas; cervical cancer; choriocarcinoma; colon cancer; endometrial cancer; esophageal cancer; gastric cancer; hematological neoplasms including acute lymphocytic and myelogenous leukemia; T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma; hairy cell leukemia; chronic myelogenous leukemia, multiple myeloma; AIDS-associated leukemias and adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma; intraepithelial neoplasms including Bowen's disease and Paget's disease; liver cancer; lung cancer; lymphomas including Hodgkin's disease and lymphocytic lymphomas; neuroblastomas; oral cancer including squamous cell carcinoma; ovarian cancer including those arising from epithelial cells, stromal cells, germ cells and mesenchymal cells; pancreatic cancer; prostate cancer; rectal cancer; sarcomas including leiomyosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, liposarcoma, fibrosarcoma, and osteosarcoma; skin cancer including melanoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell cancer; testicular cancer including germinal tumors such as seminoma, non-seminoma (teratomas, choriocarcinomas), stromal tumors, and germ cell tumors; thyroid cancer including thyroid adenocarcinoma and medullar carcinoma; and renal cancer including adenocarcinoma and Wilms tumor.

In certain embodiments, cancer is a colon carcinoma, a pancreatic cancer, a breast cancer, an ovarian cancer, a prostate cancer, a squamous cell carcinoma, a cervical cancer, a lung carcinoma, a small cell lung carcinoma, a bladder carcinoma, a squamous cell carcinoma, a basal cell carcinoma, an adenocarcinoma, a sweat gland carcinoma, a sebaceous gland carcinoma, a papillary carcinoma, a papillary adenocarcinoma, a cystadenocarcinoma, a medullary carcinoma, a bronchogenic carcinoma, a renal cell carcinoma, a hepatocellular carcinoma, a bile duct carcinoma, a choriocarcinoma, a seminoma, a embryonal carcinoma, a Wilms' tumor, or a testicular tumor. In some embodiments, cancer is a glioblastoma. In some embodiments, cancer is a squamous cell carcinoma. Other cancers, for example carcinomas, will be known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

“An effective amount” as used herein refers to the amount of the fusion protein required to confer therapeutic effect on the subject, either alone or in combination with one or more other active agents. In some embodiments, the therapeutic effect is reduced cellular proliferation or cell viability of cells expressing EGFRvIII. Determination of whether an amount of the chimeric activator achieved the therapeutic effect would be evident to one of skill in the art. Effective amounts vary, as recognized by those skilled in the art, depending on the particular condition being treated, the severity of the condition, the individual patient parameters including age, physical condition, size, gender and weight, the duration of the treatment, the nature of concurrent therapy (if any), the specific route of administration and like factors within the knowledge and expertise of the health practitioner. These factors are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art and can be addressed with no more than routine experimentation. For administration of any of the fusion proteins described herein, an individual may be administered between 5 mcg-3 mg, 25 mcg-625 mcg, or approximately 125 mcg of any of the fusion proteins described herein per week. For repeated administrations over several days or longer, depending on the condition, the treatment is sustained until a desired suppression of symptoms occurs or until sufficient therapeutic levels are achieved to alleviate a target disease or disorder, or a symptom thereof. In some embodiments, dosing frequency is once a week, twice a week, three times per week, four times per week, five times per week, every 2 weeks, every 4 weeks, every 5 weeks, every 6 weeks, every 7 weeks, every 8 weeks, every 9 weeks, or every 10 weeks; or once every month, every 2 months, or every 3 months, or longer. The progress of this therapy is easily monitored by conventional techniques and assays. The dosing regimen (including the antibody used) can vary over time.

Typically a clinician will administer a fusion protein, until a dosage is reached that achieves the desired result. In some embodiments, the desired result is a reduction of cellular proliferation, cell viability, invasive capability, angiogenesis, or tumorigencity of a cell that expresses EGFRvIII. Methods of determining whether a dosage resulted in the desired result would be evident to one of skill in the art. Administration of one or more chimeric activator can be continuous or intermittent, depending, for example, upon the recipient's physiological condition, whether the purpose of the administration is therapeutic or prophylactic, and other factors known to skilled practitioners. The administration of a chimeric activator may be essentially continuous over a preselected period of time or may be in a series of spaced dose, e.g., either before, during, or after developing a target disease or disorder.

As used herein, the term “treating” refers to the administration of a composition including a fusion protein as described herein to an individual, who has a cancer, a symptom of cancer, or a risk of developing cancer, with the purpose to cure, heal, alleviate, relieve, alter, remedy, ameliorate, improve, or affect the disease, a symptom, or the risk of developing cancer.

Alleviating a disease/disorder, such as cancer, includes delaying the development or progression of the disease, or reducing disease severity. Alleviating the disease does not necessarily require curative results. As used therein, “delaying” the development of a target disease or disorder means to defer, hinder, slow, retard, stabilize, and/or postpone progression of the disease. This delay can be of varying lengths of time, depending on the history of the disease and/or individuals being treated. A method that “delays” or alleviates the development of a disease, or delays the onset of the disease, is a method that reduces probability of developing one or more symptoms of the disease in a given time frame and/or reduces extent of the symptoms in a given time frame, when compared to not using the method. Such comparisons are typically based on clinical studies, using a number of subjects sufficient to give a statistically significant result.

“Development” or “progression” of a disease means initial manifestations and/or ensuing progression of the disease. Development of the disease can be detectable and assessed using standard clinical techniques as well known in the art. However, development also refers to progression that may be undetectable. For purpose of this disclosure, development or progression refers to the biological course of the symptoms. “Development” includes occurrence, recurrence, and onset. As used herein “onset” or “occurrence” of a target disease or disorder includes initial onset and/or recurrence.

In some embodiments, the fusion protein described herein is administered to a subject in need of the treatment at an amount sufficient to inhibit the activity of one or both of the target antigens by at least 20% (e.g., 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or greater) in vivo. In other embodiments, the fusion protein is administered in an amount effective in reducing the level of one or both target antigens by at least 20% (e.g., 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or greater).

The fusion proteins or nucleic acids encoding the fusion proteins may be delivered using gene delivery vehicles. The gene delivery vehicle can be of viral or non-viral origin (see generally, Jolly, Cancer Gene Therapy (1994) 1:51; Kimura, Human Gene Therapy (1994) 5:845; Connelly, Human Gene Therapy (1995) 1:185; and Kaplitt, Nature Genetics (1994) 6:148). Expression of such coding sequences can be induced using endogenous mammalian or heterologous promoters and/or enhancers. Expression of the coding sequence can be either constitutive or regulated.

Viral-based vectors for delivery of a desired polynucleotide and expression in a desired cell are well known in the art. Exemplary viral-based vehicles include, but are not limited to, recombinant retroviruses (see, e.g., PCT Publication Nos. WO 90/07936; WO 94/03622; WO 93/25698; WO 93/25234; WO 93/11230; WO 93/10218; WO 91/02805; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,219,740 and 4,777,127; GB Patent No. 2,200,651; and EP Patent No. 0 345 242), alphavirus-based vectors (e.g., Sindbis virus vectors, Semliki forest virus (ATCC VR-67; ATCC VR-1247), Ross River virus (ATCC VR-373; ATCC VR-1246) and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (ATCC VR-923; ATCC VR-1250; ATCC VR 1249; ATCC VR-532)), and adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors (see, e.g., PCT Publication Nos. WO 94/12649, WO 93/03769; WO 93/19191; WO 94/28938; WO 95/11984 and WO 95/00655). Administration of DNA linked to killed adenovirus as described in Curiel, Hum. Gene Ther. (1992) 3:147 can also be employed.

Non-viral delivery vehicles and methods can also be employed, including, but not limited to, polycationic condensed DNA linked or unlinked to killed adenovirus alone (see, e.g., Curiel, Hum. Gene Ther. (1992) 3:147); ligand-linked DNA (see, e.g., Wu, J. Biol. Chem. (1989) 264:16985); eukaryotic cell delivery vehicles cells (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,814,482; PCT Publication Nos. WO 95/07994; WO 96/17072; WO 95/30763; and WO 97/42338) and nucleic charge neutralization or fusion with cell membranes. Naked DNA can also be employed. Exemplary naked DNA introduction methods are described in PCT Publication No. WO 90/11092 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,580,859. Liposomes that can act as gene delivery vehicles are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,422,120; PCT Publication Nos. WO 95/13796; WO 94/23697; WO 91/14445; and EP Patent No. 0524968. Additional approaches are described in Philip, Mol. Cell. Biol. (1994) 14:2411, and in Woffendin, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (1994) 91:1581.

The particular dosage regimen, i.e., dose, timing and repetition, used in the method described herein will depend on the particular subject and that subject's medical history.

In some embodiments, more than one chimeric activator, or a combination of a chimeric activator and another suitable therapeutic agent, may be administered to a subject in need of the treatment. The chimeric activator can also be used in conjunction with other agents that serve to enhance and/or complement the effectiveness of the agents.

Treatment efficacy for a target disease/disorder can be assessed by methods well-known in the art.

Without further elaboration, it is believed that one of skill in the art can, based on the above description, utilize the present disclosure to its fullest extent. The following specific embodiments are, therefore, to be construed as merely illustrative, and not limitative of the remainder of the disclosure in any way whatsoever. All publications cited herein are incorporated by reference for the purposes or subject matter referenced herein.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Design of Genetic Elements Encoding Fusion Proteins and Insertion into Expression Vectors

The following sequences were generated and inserted into the expression vector pPICZalpha A (Invitrogen/Life Technologies) by a combination of commercial DNA synthesis (Genscript, Inc.) and standard DNA cloning and assembly techniques. Specifically, the sequences below were placed directly after the sequence . . . AGA GAG GCT GAA GCT (SEQ ID NO: 19), which encodes the amino acids Arg Glu Ala Glu Ala (SEQ ID NO: 20) that are part of the signal sequence that is removed by processing. At the 3′ end of the SEQ ID NOs: 2, 6, 8, 9, and 10, the terminal sequence . . . “CAT CAC CAT CAC CAT CAC TAA” (SEQ ID NO: 21) was joined to the sequence “GTTTGTAGCC” (SEQ ID NO: 22) in the vector. Constructions were performed using “Gibson assembly” (Gibson, D. G. “Enzymatic assembly of overlapping DNA fragments” Methods in Enzymology 498:349-362).

The fusion protein MR1-1 IFNα2-1b served as a “wild-type” and was used as a point of comparison for derivatives or variants that had mutations designed to decrease or increase binding to either INFα receptor 1 (IFNAR1) or IFNα receptor 2 (IFNAR2). The interferon moiety of MR1-1 IFNα2-1b was based on IFNα2a, but was significantly altered to improve its properties. The resulting interferon is distinct in sequence from INFα2a and from the other human interferons, as well as from interferons from other organisms.

The interferon-α moiety of the MR1-1 INFα2-1b protein had no mutations for the purpose of reducing INFα activity, but was re-engineered relative to natural human interferons in the following ways. The mature INFα moiety consisted of human INFα2a, but with an insertion of Asp at approximately position 41 in the sequence Glu-Glu-Phe-Gly-Asn-Gln (SEQ ID NO: 23) . . . to yield Glu-Glu-Phe-Asp-Gly-Asn-Gln (SEQ ID NO: 24). This resulted in a renumbering of the sequence relative to INFα2a sequence. The sequence of the IFN moiety of MR1-1 INFα2-1b also contained mutations of Arg23Lys, Leu26Pro, Glu53Gln, Thr54Ala, Pro56Ser, Asp86Glu, Ile104Thr, Gly106Glu, Thr110Glu, Lys117Asn, Arg125Lys, and Lys136Thr. This set of mutations had the effect of enhancing productivity of the fusion protein in Pichia pastoris. Production of MR1-1 INFα2-1b was at least 3-fold greater than production of MR1-1-INFα2a from Pichia pastoris. In addition, a significant fraction of the MR1-1-INFα2a underwent a cleavage near the C-terminus of the protein that was not observed with the MR1-1 INFα2-1b protein.

About five independent P. pastoris Zeocin-resistant transformants containing plasmids designed to express MR1-1 INFα2-1b or MR1-1 INFα2a were tested for their ability to express full-length proteins in small-scale (5 ml) cultures induced with methanol (BMMY medium).

After the transformation and plating on Zeocin plates, colonies were incubated for three days then picked from the plate and re-plated on a raster plate. The same colonies were labeled and grown in YPD Zeocin 200 mcg/mL (30° C.) to make glycerol stocks by adding 500 microliters of 50% glycerol to 1 mL Pichia culture and freezing the stocks at −80° C. Each colony was also used to inoculate a 24-well plate to start protein production screening. Typically, 4-6 transformants per construct were analyzed.

Transformants were grown in 1 mL BMGY media overnight at 30° C. at 140 rpm in a 24-well plate sealed with air-pore tape. This allowed sufficient oxygen uptake by the cells. After overnight growth, the plate(s) were centrifuged at 1700 g for 5 minutes. The supernatant was aspirated and replaced by 1 mL BMM+methanol media; cells were resuspended in media. This initiated protein expression, and plates were placed back into the incubator (30° C. with 140 rpm). After 12-16 hours, the plates were centrifuged again at 3000 g for 5-10 minutes. Supernatants were stored and analyzed by SDS-PAGE gel to assess protein expression.

Supernatants were loaded directly into SDS-PAGE gels, and generally, 10 microliters supernatant were mixed with 20 microliters 2× Novex buffer (Invitrogen). Samples were heated to 95° C. for 6 minutes, then loaded onto SDS-PAGE gels with 4-20% acrylamide gradient and run for 55 minutes at a constant current. Gels were stained in Coomassie Fluor Orange (Life Technologies) for about 40 minutes and analyzed. The best-expressing colony per construct was selected for further evaluation. However, demonstrable variation in expression levels between colonies was not generally observed, so the improvement in expression of MR1-1 IFNα2-1b relative to MR1-1 INFα2a was ascribed to changes in the INFα protein sequence, as the expression plasmids were otherwise identical.

Expression plasmids for mutated derivatives/variants of MR1-1 INFα2-1b were constructed by standard techniques to introduce the following mutations in the interferon moiety: Leu30Ala, Arg145Ala, His58Ala plus Arg150Ala, and Glu59Ala Met149Ala. The following coding sequences were used to express the corresponding fusion proteins.

MR1-1 IFNα 2-1b wt (SEQ ID NO: 6) GAAGTTCAATTGGTTGAGTCTGGTGGAGGTTTGGTTCAACCAGGAGGTTCCTTGAGATTGTC ATGTAAAGTTTCTGGTTTTACTTTCTCTTCCTATGGAATGTCTTGGGTTAGACAAGCTCCTG GAAAGGGTTTGGAATGGGTTGCTTCCATCTCAACCGGTGGTTACAACACATATTACGCTGAT TCCGTTAAAGGTAGATTCACTATCTCCAGAGATAACTCTAAGAACACTTTGTATTTGCAAAT GAACTCTTTGAGAGCTGAAGATACTGCTGTTTACTATTGTGCGCGCGGTTACTCTCCATATT CTTACGCTATGGATTATTGGGGTCAAGGTACTACTGTTACTGTTTCTGGTGGAGGTGGAGGT TCAGGAGGTGGAGGAAGTGGAGGAGGTGGATCAGACATCCAGATGACACAATCACCATCTTC CTTGTCAGCTTCTGTTGGAGATAGAGTTACTATTACATGTAGAGCTTCCACTGACATCGATA ACGACATGAATTGGTATCAGCAAAAACCTGGACAGGCGCCAAAGTTGTTGATCTACGAGGGT AACTCATTGCAATCTGGAGTTCCTTCCAGATTTTCATCTTCCGGTTCCGGAACAGATTTCAC TTTGACAATCTCTTCCTTGCAGCCAGAAGACTTTGCTACTTATTACTGTTTGCAATCATGGA ATGTTCCTTTGACATTCGGTCAAGGAACTAAATTGGAGATTAAGGGTGAAGGAGGGTCAGGT GAAGGTTCCTCCGGTGAGGGTTCCTCATCCGAAGGGGGAGGATCTGAAGGCGGTGGCTCTGA GGGTGGAGGTTCAGAGGGAGGGTCATGTGACTTGCCTCAAACTCATTCTTTGGGTTCTAGAA GAACTTTGATGTTGTTGGCTCAAATGAGAAGAATCTCTCCTTTCTCTTGTTTGAAGGACAGA CATGACTTCGGTTTCCCTCAAGAGGAGTTCGACGGTAACCAATTCCAAAAGGCTCAAGCTAT CTCTGTCTTGCATGAGATGATCCAACAAATCTTCAACTTGTTCTCTACTAAGGACTCTTCTG CTGCTTGGGACGAGACTTTGTTGGAGAAGTTCTACACTGAGTTGTACCAACAATTGAACGAC TTGGAGGCTTGTGTCACTCAAGAGGTCGGTGTCGAGGAGACTCCTTTGATGAACGAGGACTC TATCTTGGCTGTCAAGAAGTACTTCCAAAGAATCACTTTGTACTTGACTGAGAAGAAGTACT CTCCTTGTGCTTGGGAGGTCGTCAGAGCTGAGATCATGAGATCTTTCTCTTTGTCTACTAAC TTGCAAGAGAGATTGAGAAGAAAGGAGCATCACCATCACCATCACTAA MR1-1 IFNα 2-1b L30A (SEQ ID NO: 7) GAAGTTCAATTGGTTGAGTCTGGTGGAGGTTTGGTTCAACCAGGAGGTTCCTTGAGATTGTC ATGTAAAGTTTCTGGTTTTACTTTCTCTTCCTATGGAATGTCTTGGGTTAGACAAGCTCCTG GAAAGGGTTTGGAATGGGTTGCTTCCATCTCAACCGGTGGTTACAACACATATTACGCTGAT TCCGTTAAAGGTAGATTCACTATCTCCAGAGATAACTCTAAGAACACTTTGTATTTGCAAAT GAACTCTTTGAGAGCTGAAGATACTGCTGTTTACTATTGTGCGCGCGGTTACTCTCCATATT CTTACGCTATGGATTATTGGGGTCAAGGTACTACTGTTACTGTTTCTGGTGGAGGTGGAGGT TCAGGAGGTGGAGGAAGTGGAGGAGGTGGATCAGACATCCAGATGACACAATCACCATCTTC CTTGTCAGCTTCTGTTGGAGATAGAGTTACTATTACATGTAGAGCTTCCACTGACATCGATA ACGACATGAATTGGTATCAGCAAAAACCTGGACAGGCGCCAAAGTTGTTGATCTACGAGGGT AACTCATTGCAATCTGGAGTTCCTTCCAGATTTTCATCTTCCGGTTCCGGAACAGATTTCAC TTTGACAATCTCTTCCTTGCAGCCAGAAGACTTTGCTACTTATTACTGTTTGCAATCATGGA ATGTTCCTTTGACATTCGGTCAAGGAACTAAATTGGAGATTAAGGGTGAAGGAGGGTCAGGT GAAGGTTCCTCCGGTGAGGGTTCCTCATCCGAAGGGGGAGGATCTGAAGGCGGTGGCTCTGA GGGTGGAGGTTCAGAGGGAGGGTCATGTGACTTGCCTCAAACTCATTCTTTGGGTTCTAGAA GAACTTTGATGTTGTTGGCTCAAATGAGAAGAATCTCTCCTTTCTCTTGTGCTAAGGACAGA CATGACTTCGGTTTCCCTCAAGAGGAGTTCGACGGTAACCAATTCCAAAAGGCTCAAGCTAT CTCTGTCTTGCATGAGATGATCCAACAAATCTTCAACTTGTTCTCTACTAAGGACTCTTCTG CTGCTTGGGACGAGACTTTGTTGGAGAAGTTCTACACTGAGTTGTACCAACAATTGAACGAC TTGGAGGCTTGTGTCACTCAAGAGGTCGGTGTCGAGGAGACTCCTTTGATGAACGAGGACTC TATCTTGGCTGTCAAGAAGTACTTCCAAAGAATCACTTTGTACTTGACTGAGAAGAAGTACT CTCCTTGTGCTTGGGAGGTCGTCAGAGCTGAGATCATGAGATCTTTCTCTTTGTCTACTAAC TTGCAAGAGAGATTGAGAAGAAAGGAGCATCACCATCACCATCACTAA MR1-1 IFNα 2-1b R145A (SEQ ID NO: 8) GAAGTTCAATTGGTTGAGTCTGGTGGAGGTTTGGTTCAACCAGGAGGTTCCTTGAGATTGTC ATGTAAAGTTTCTGGTTTTACTTTCTCTTCCTATGGAATGTCTTGGGTTAGACAAGCTCCTG GAAAGGGTTTGGAATGGGTTGCTTCCATCTCAACCGGTGGTTACAACACATATTACGCTGAT TCCGTTAAAGGTAGATTCACTATCTCCAGAGATAACTCTAAGAACACTTTGTATTTGCAAAT GAACTCTTTGAGAGCTGAAGATACTGCTGTTTACTATTGTGCGCGCGGTTACTCTCCATATT CTTACGCTATGGATTATTGGGGTCAAGGTACTACTGTTACTGTTTCTGGTGGAGGTGGAGGT TCAGGAGGTGGAGGAAGTGGAGGAGGTGGATCAGACATCCAGATGACACAATCACCATCTTC CTTGTCAGCTTCTGTTGGAGATAGAGTTACTATTACATGTAGAGCTTCCACTGACATCGATA ACGACATGAATTGGTATCAGCAAAAACCTGGACAGGCGCCAAAGTTGTTGATCTACGAGGGT AACTCATTGCAATCTGGAGTTCCTTCCAGATTTTCATCTTCCGGTTCCGGAACAGATTTCAC TTTGACAATCTCTTCCTTGCAGCCAGAAGACTTTGCTACTTATTACTGTTTGCAATCATGGA ATGTTCCTTTGACATTCGGTCAAGGAACTAAATTGGAGATTAAGGGTGAAGGAGGGTCAGGT GAAGGTTCCTCCGGTGAGGGTTCCTCATCCGAAGGGGGAGGATCTGAAGGCGGTGGCTCTGA GGGTGGAGGTTCAGAGGGAGGGTCATGTGACTTGCCTCAAACTCATTCTTTGGGTTCTAGAA GAACTTTGATGTTGTTGGCTCAAATGAGAAGAATCTCTCCTTTCTCTTGTTTGAAGGACAGA CATGACTTCGGTTTCCCTCAAGAGGAGTTCGACGGTAACCAATTCCAAAAGGCTCAAGCTAT CTCTGTCTTGCATGAGATGATCCAACAAATCTTCAACTTGTTCTCTACTAAGGACTCTTCTG CTGCTTGGGACGAGACTTTGTTGGAGAAGTTCTACACTGAGTTGTACCAACAATTGAACGAC TTGGAGGCTTGTGTCACTCAAGAGGTCGGTGTCGAGGAGACTCCTTTGATGAACGAGGACTC TATCTTGGCTGTCAAGAAGTACTTCCAAAGAATCACTTTGTACTTGACTGAGAAGAAGTACT CTCCTTGTGCTTGGGAGGTCGTCGCTGCTGAGATCATGAGATCTTTCTCTTTGTCTACTAAC TTGCAAGAGAGATTGAGAAGAAAGGAGCATCACCATCACCATCACTAA MR1-1 IFNα 2-1b E59A M149A (SEQ ID NO: 9) GAAGTTCAATTGGTTGAGTCTGGTGGAGGTTTGGTTCAACCAGGAGGTTCCTTGAGATTGTC ATGTAAAGTTTCTGGTTTTACTTTCTCTTCCTATGGAATGTCTTGGGTTAGACAAGCTCCTG GAAAGGGTTTGGAATGGGTTGCTTCCATCTCAACCGGTGGTTACAACACATATTACGCTGAT TCCGTTAAAGGTAGATTCACTATCTCCAGAGATAACTCTAAGAACACTTTGTATTTGCAAAT GAACTCTTTGAGAGCTGAAGATACTGCTGTTTACTATTGTGCGCGCGGTTACTCTCCATATT CTTACGCTATGGATTATTGGGGTCAAGGTACTACTGTTACTGTTTCTGGTGGAGGTGGAGGT TCAGGAGGTGGAGGAAGTGGAGGAGGTGGATCAGACATCCAGATGACACAATCACCATCTTC CTTGTCAGCTTCTGTTGGAGATAGAGTTACTATTACATGTAGAGCTTCCACTGACATCGATA ACGACATGAATTGGTATCAGCAAAAACCTGGACAGGCGCCAAAGTTGTTGATCTACGAGGGT AACTCATTGCAATCTGGAGTTCCTTCCAGATTTTCATCTTCCGGTTCCGGAACAGATTTCAC TTTGACAATCTCTTCCTTGCAGCCAGAAGACTTTGCTACTTATTACTGTTTGCAATCATGGA ATGTTCCTTTGACATTCGGTCAAGGAACTAAATTGGAGATTAAGGGTGAAGGAGGGTCAGGT GAAGGTTCCTCCGGTGAGGGTTCCTCATCCGAAGGGGGAGGATCTGAAGGCGGTGGCTCTGA GGGTGGAGGTTCAGAGGGAGGGTCATGTGACTTGCCTCAAACTCATTCTTTGGGTTCTAGAA GAACTTTGATGTTGTTGGCTCAAATGAGAAGAATCTCTCCTTTCTCTTGTTTGAAGGACAGA CATGACTTCGGTTTCCCTCAAGAGGAGTTCGACGGTAACCAATTCCAAAAGGCTCAAGCTAT CTCTGTCTTGCATGCGATGATCCAACAAATCTTCAACTTGTTCTCTACTAAGGACTCTTCTG CTGCTTGGGACGAGACTTTGTTGGAGAAGTTCTACACTGAGTTGTACCAACAATTGAACGAC TTGGAGGCTTGTGTCACTCAAGAGGTCGGTGTCGAGGAGACTCCTTTGATGAACGAGGACTC TATCTTGGCTGTCAAGAAGTACTTCCAAAGAATCACTTTGTACTTGACTGAGAAGAAGTACT CTCCTTGTGCTTGGGAGGTCGTCAGAGCTGAGATCGCGAGATCTTTCTCTTTGTCTACTAAC TTGCAAGAGAGATTGAGAAGAAAGGAGCATCACCATCACCATCACTAA MR1-1 IFNα 2-1b H58A R150A (SEQ ID NO: 10) GAAGTTCAATTGGTTGAGTCTGGTGGAGGTTTGGTTCAACCAGGAGGTTCCTTGAGATTGTC ATGTAAAGTTTCTGGTTTTACTTTCTCTTCCTATGGAATGTCTTGGGTTAGACAAGCTCCTG GAAAGGGTTTGGAATGGGTTGCTTCCATCTCAACCGGTGGTTACAACACATATTACGCTGAT TCCGTTAAAGGTAGATTCACTATCTCCAGAGATAACTCTAAGAACACTTTGTATTTGCAAAT GAACTCTTTGAGAGCTGAAGATACTGCTGTTTACTATTGTGCGCGCGGTTACTCTCCATATT CTTACGCTATGGATTATTGGGGTCAAGGTACTACTGTTACTGTTTCTGGTGGAGGTGGAGGT TCAGGAGGTGGAGGAAGTGGAGGAGGTGGATCAGACATCCAGATGACACAATCACCATCTTC CTTGTCAGCTTCTGTTGGAGATAGAGTTACTATTACATGTAGAGCTTCCACTGACATCGATA ACGACATGAATTGGTATCAGCAAAAACCTGGACAGGCGCCAAAGTTGTTGATCTACGAGGGT AACTCATTGCAATCTGGAGTTCCTTCCAGATTTTCATCTTCCGGTTCCGGAACAGATTTCAC TTTGACAATCTCTTCCTTGCAGCCAGAAGACTTTGCTACTTATTACTGTTTGCAATCATGGA ATGTTCCTTTGACATTCGGTCAAGGAACTAAATTGGAGATTAAGGGTGAAGGAGGGTCAGGT GAAGGTTCCTCCGGTGAGGGTTCCTCATCCGAAGGGGGAGGATCTGAAGGCGGTGGCTCTGA GGGTGGAGGTTCAGAGGGAGGGTCATGTGACTTGCCTCAAACTCATTCTTTGGGTTCTAGAA GAACTTTGATGTTGTTGGCTCAAATGAGAAGAATCTCTCCTTTCTCTTGTTTGAAGGACAGA CATGACTTCGGTTTCCCTCAAGAGGAGTTCGACGGTAACCAATTCCAAAAGGCTCAAGCTAT CTCTGTCTTGGCTGAGATGATCCAACAAATCTTCAACTTGTTCTCTACTAAGGACTCTTCTG CTGCTTGGGACGAGACTTTGTTGGAGAAGTTCTACACTGAGTTGTACCAACAATTGAACGAC TTGGAGGCTTGTGTCACTCAAGAGGTCGGTGTCGAGGAGACTCCTTTGATGAACGAGGACTC TATCTTGGCTGTCAAGAAGTACTTCCAAAGAATCACTTTGTACTTGACTGAGAAGAAGTACT CTCCTTGTGCTTGGGAGGTCGTCAGAGCTGAGATCATGGCATCTTTCTCTTTGTCTACTAAC TTGCAAGAGAGATTGAGAAGAAAGGAGCATCACCATCACCATCACTAA

Example 2 Expression and Activity Testing of Unpurified Protein from Culture Supernatants

The production and cell-based testing of the fusion proteins were performed as follows. Pichia pastoris strains were engineered with expression vectors based on the plasmid pPICz-alpha, using the various coding sequences presented herein. Standard procedures were used in the plasmid construction and integration into Pichia. Proteins were expressed following in Pichia pastoris following the instructions in the “EasySelect™ Pichia Expression Kit” supplied by Invitrogen/Life Technologies. BMMY medium was used for expression, as it was found to reduce proteolysis of the desired products. Production was generally in the range of about 10 micrograms of MR1-1-linker-INFα per ml of Pichia culture supernatant. This fusion protein was the major protein in culture supernatant.

Expression of MR1-1-linker-human IFN-α2 was compared with the MR1-1-linker-human IFN-α2-1b protein to test for the effects of the mutation of several amino acids relative to INFα2. It was found that the fusion protein containing INFα2-1b was produced with much less proteolysis than a corresponding fusion protein with INFα2.

The various proteins were obtained from culture supernatant by centrifugal removal of the cells, filtration of the supernatant through a 0.2 micron filter to remove remaining cells and sterilize the preparation, concentration, and buffer exchange into Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium. Serial 10-fold dilutions of the protein in this form was added to wells containing either U87MG glioblastoma cells or U87MG cells expressing EGFRvIII, from about 10⁻⁶ to 10⁻¹²M. Cells were plated at about 10,000 cells per well in a 96-well plate and incubated for 70 hours at 37° C., 5% CO₂, in high-glucose DMEM with 10% FBS and PenStrep (100 IU penicillin and 100 ″ g/ml streptomycin). Cell number was then measured using the WST-1 reagent (Roche).

During the 70-hour incubation, cell number appeared to increase about 2.5-fold. For each series shown in FIGS. 5A-5F, readings were normalized to the readings with no added fusion protein. Maximal readings were therefore about 1, minimal readings were about 0.4, and thus an IC50 could be calculated as the concentration of fusion protein giving a normalized reading of about 0.7. Based on this calculation approach, it can be seen that the various fusion proteins show a significant targeting effect, with much greater activity on U87MG-EGFRvIII cells than on U87MG cells. In particular, MR1-1-INFα2-1b(“wild-type”), MR1-1-INFα2-1b(Arg145Ala), and MR1-1-INFα2-1b(Glu59Ala Met149Ala) showed respectively about 200-fold, 1000-fold, and at least 1,000-fold specificity for the EGFRvIII-expressing cells. This level of cell-type specificity is much greater than that observed in previous studies of targeted, mutated INFα fusion proteins, as described in Cironi et al. (J Biol Chem [2008] 283(13):8469-76), and indicates that the further conceptual advances herein are useful in enhancing cell type-specific action of fusion proteins.

Fusion proteins bearing the INFα L30A mutation or the INFα His58Ala+Arg150Ala mutations did not show complete inhibition of proliferation even at the highest concentration tested. Use of these mutations is thus less preferred.

It is noteworthy that “wild-type” INFα2-1b showed a significant targeting effect. This was not expected based on previous work. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it may be that the negatively charged linker attached to INFα2-1b effectively reduces the binding of INFα2-1b to its receptor. Comparison of the effect of INFα2-1b and MR1-1-linker-INFα2-1b on U87MG cells without EGFRvIII shows an IC50 about 10⁻¹¹M and 10⁻¹⁰M respectively. It may be that the negatively charged linker interacts with the positively charged receptor-binding surface of INFα2-1b, effectively reducing its on-rate in a manner analogous to a mutation on this surface; according to this hypothesis, only a subset of molecules in which the linker is not interacting with INFα2-1b would be competent to bind. Thus, in some embodiments, the introduction of negative charges into a linker in an <antibody V region>-<linker>-<positively charged signaling moiety> is beneficial.

Example 3 Scaled-Up Purification of a Novel MR1-1-INFalpha Fusion Protein

The fusion protein MR1-1-INFα2-1b(R145A) was purified from engineered Pichia pastoris as follows. Many aspects of this procedure followed the protocols given in manual for the EasySelect™ Pichia Expression Kit from Invitrogen (Catalogue number K1740-01; Manual part number 25-0172), which defines formulas for the media used. The P. pastoris strain was grown to saturation in about 1 liter of BMGY medium, then centrifuged and resuspended in 2.4 liters of BMMY at a final OD of 0.5, distributed into 10 two-liter Erlenmeyer flasks, and incubated for 48 hours at 30° C. with shaking at about 200 rpm and “Airport” air-permeable seals on the top of the flasks. Cultures were then centrifuged at 10,000× gravity for about 15 minutes, the supernatant harvested, filtered using (0.22 um) filters, and transferred to a cold room. About 277 grams of (NH₄)₂SO₄ was added per liter and dissolved with agitation. This solution was incubated for 16 hours with gentle agitation, harvested by centrifugation in 400 ml tubes at 20,000× gravity, then resuspended in HisTALON equilibration buffer (buffer kit catalog number 635651) in preparation for purification based on cobalt affinity.

About 5 mls of TALON metal affinity resin was used for purification in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions (Manual part number PT1320-1). The protein was eluted in about 15 mls of HisTALON elution buffer, filter-sterilized, and further purified by FPLC. FIG. 2 shows a typical SDS-PAGE in which the purified protein is quantitated by comparison with a bovine serum albumin standard. The final concentration was about 500 mcg/ml by this measurement.

Example 4 Activity of Purified Fusion Proteins on Diverse Mammalian Cells

The purified MR1-1-INFα2-1b(R145A) protein from Example 3 was tested for growth-inhibitory activity on U87MG glioblastoma cells or U87MG cells expressing EGFRvIII. Cell culture and assay procedures were essentially identical to those described in Example 2. It was found that the ratio of IC50s for MR1-1-INFalpha2-1b(R145A)/INFalpha2 was about 18 on U87MG cells, but was about 0.122 on U87MG-EGFRvIII cells, indicating a net targeting effect of about 148-fold.

A preparation of MR1-1-INFα2-1b that had been purified by His6-metal affinity was tested for growth-inhibition of mouse Neuro 2a cells (N2a cells). It was found that MR1-1-IFNα2-1b inhibited growth of the mouse cells, although the IC50 for inhibition was about 50-fold greater than for murine INFα2. Human INFα2a had no detectable inhibitory activity against the mouse cells. These results are depicted in FIG. 8.

The activity against mouse cells is a valuable feature because human interferons generally do not activate mouse interferon receptors, which precludes biological testing of human interferons in natural mouse experimental systems during the drug-development process.

Example 5 Toxicity and Pharmacokinetic Testing of Purified Fusion Proteins

The protein MR1-1-INFα2-1b(R145A) was purified as described in Example 3 and tested for potential toxic effects in mice as follows. About 100 micrograms of MR1-1-IFNα2-1b(R145A) protein in the physiologically acceptable carrier phosphate-buffered saline was injected intraperitoneally into C57BL6 mice 5 days in a row (100 mcg/day). Three female mice were injected with the protein and two were injected with the PBS vehicle; all were maintained as littermates. The mice were observed daily during the injection series and three days afterwards for signs of toxicity including death or distress indicators such as decreased activity, lethargy, decreased appetite, weight loss, poor body condition, abnormal or hunched body posture, poor grooming, respiratory distress, eye squinting, nose bulge, ear position and/or whisker changes. All of the mice survived and no signs of toxicity were observed in the animals that received the MR1-1-IFNα2-1b(R145A) protein.

The protein MR1-1-INFα2-1b(no mutation) and MR1-1-INFα2-1b with a mutation in the MR1-1 scFv (VH Ser52Arg, designed to block antigen binding) were purified as described in Example 3 and tested for their pharmacokinetic profile in mice as follows. About 12.5 micrograms of each fusion protein in phosphate-buffered saline was injected intravenously into the tail vein of C57BL/6 mice (N=3 per dose group). Blood samples were withdrawn at 0, 1, 3, 7 and 24 hours, and the concentration of MR1-1-INFα fusion proteins was determined by a standard ELISA-type assay. Based on a comparison of the 7-hour and 24-hour timepoints, the terminal serum half-lives of the MR1-1-INFα2-1b(no mutation) and MR1-1-INFα2-1b (mutant V region) fusion proteins were about 3 hours and 4 hours, respectively.

Example 6 Activity of Purified Fusion Proteins in an Immunosuppressed Tumor Model

To test the effect of the MR1-1-INFα2-1b(R145A) protein on tumors in a mouse model, about 1 million oncogenic murine neural stem cells in approximately 30% Matrigel (1:2.5 mixture Matrigel and PBS) were injected into the flanks of Nude C57Bl/6 mice and allowed to form small tumors. The cells contained a knockout of the p16^(INK4a) gene and express EGFRvIII from a transgene (Bachoo et al. [2002] Cancer Cell 1:269-277). Six mice per dose group were used. When the average tumor size was about 100 mm³, the mice were divided into two groups with equal average tumor sizes. One group was injected intraperitoneally daily for 5 days with about 100 micrograms of MR1-1-INFα2-1b(R145A) (135 mcg/mouse/day; 150 microliters×0.9 mg/mL protein per mouse per day), while the other was injected intraperitoneally with a PBS vehicle control.

The following results were observed. There was a statistically significant difference in the growth rate of the tumors between the two groups of mice, with the treated mice showing a cessation of tumor growth for about 1 week. Specifically, the tumor sizes in the mice that received the fusion proteins were identical to the tumor sizes in mice that received the control on days 1 and 3. On day 5 the tumors in the treated group of mice showed essentially no increase in size while the tumors in the untreated group of mice showed about a 50% increase. On all subsequent days the tumors in the treated mice were, on average, smaller than the tumors in the untreated mice. Between days 7 and 9, tumor growth in the treated mice was observed to resume, possibly because the fusion protein had been cleared from the mouse and no long-term immune response was possible because the mice are Nude mice with a defective immune system. FIG. 9.

To further test the effect of the MR1-1-INFα2-1b(R145A) protein on tumors in a mouse model, about 1 to 5 million U87MG-EGFRvIII cells in about 30% Matrigel are injected into the flanks of Nude C57Bl/6 mice and allowed to form small tumors. Six mice per dose group are used. When the average tumor size is about 100 mm³, the mice are divided into groups with equal average tumor sizes. One group was injected daily for 5 days with about 100 micrograms of MR1-1-INFα2-1b(R145A); another group was injected with MR1-1-INFα2-1b (no mutation); another group was injected with MR1-1-INFα2-1b(E59A M149A); and the final group was injected with a PBS vehicle control.

There was a statistically significant difference in the growth rate of the tumors between the control mice and the mice that had been treated with the fusion proteins, with the treated mice showing less dramatic growth and in some cases tumor shrinkage.

Example 7 Activity of Purified Fusion Proteins in a Syngeneic Tumor Model

To test the effect of the fusion protein MR1-1-INFα2-1b (R145A) on tumors in an immunocompetent mouse model, about 1 million oncogenic murine neural stem cells in 30% Matrigel were injected into the flanks of wild-type C57Bl/6 mice and were allowed to form small tumors. The cells contained a knockout of the p16^(INK4a) gene and expressed EGFRvIII from a transgene (Bachoo et al. [2002] Cancer Cell 1:269-277). About six mice per dose group were used. When the average tumor size was about 100 mm³, the mice were divided into two groups with equal average tumor sizes. One group was injected daily for 5 days with about 100 micrograms of MR1-1-INFα2-1b (R145A). A second group was injected with MR1-1-INFα2-1b(no mutation). A third group was injected with a PBS vehicle control.

There was a statistically significant difference in the growth rate of the tumors between the treated groups of mice and the PBS-injected control mice, with the treated mice showing less dramatic growth and in some cases tumor shrinkage.

Example 8 Treatment of Human Patients with a Fusion Protein

A human patient with glioblastoma multiforme is treated with a fusion protein as described herein, such as the MR1-1-INFα2-1b(R145A) fusion protein.

The patient may be optionally tested to verify that his or her tumor cells express the EGFRvIII protein. Several diagnostic approaches are possible, but two general approaches are based on the presence of the tumor nucleic acid or protein. The EGFRvIII protein is expressed as a result of a deletion of exons 2 through 7 of the EGFR gene, resulting in exon 1 being spliced directly to exon 8. Because of this, the tumor cells express a novel genomic DNA segment that can be detected by PCR of tumor genomic DNA using primers that correspond to segments from exon 1 and exon 8. DNA from normal tissue (that does not encode the EGFRvIII variant) will generally not be amplified because when all the exons are present, the distance between exon 1 and 8 is too large for efficient amplification under standard conditions. Similarly, mRNA from a tumor sample may be isolated and characterized by reverse transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR) using primers corresponding to exon 1 and exon 8 or a downstream exon. In this case, the PCR products will typically include a signal from an intact EGFR mRNA that is present in normal cells that may derive from tumor heterozygosity, normal adjacent tissue or normal cells that are part of the tumor such as stromal cells, fibroblasts, etc., but presence of EGFRvIII mRNA will generate a distinct product that is smaller by 801 base pairs. The presence of such smaller products is diagnostic of an EGFRvIII-type deletions/variants.

A patient's tumor may also be characterized by detection of the EGFRvIII protein, such as by antibody-based detection. For example, a tumor sample may be fixed and stained with an antibody that recognizes the EGFRvIII protein. For example, the variable regions or CDRs of the scFv MR1-1 V may be configured into a full length antibody with murine IgG constant regions and used as a primary antibody. Probing with a EGFRvIII specific primary antibody can be followed by a secondary antibody directed to the murine IgG constant regions and conjugated to a histochemically detectable enzyme, such as horseradish peroxidase. Alternatively, protein may be extracted from a tumor or tumor cells and analyzed by Western blot or ELISA assay using MR1-1 V regions to detect the EGFRvIII protein.

In one treatment paradigm, a patient is first treated with surgery, followed by a combination of radiation therapy and temozolomide. The radiation and temozolomide are administered according to standard practice and the judgement of a physician, with a total dose of roughly 60 Gy (Grays) or more delivered in doses of 1.8 to 2 Gy per day, 5 days a week, and temozolomide delivered intravenously over 90 minutes in doses of 75 mg/m². The MR1-1-IFNα2-1b(R145A) fusion protein is administered upon cessation of temozolomide treatment due to failure of treatment or unacceptable side effects. Typical profiles for cessation of temozolomide would be a tumor volume of >0.5 cm³ but <1.5 cm³ and a platelet count of <100,000/mm³, and a CTC grade 2 non-hematologic toxicity; or a tumor volume of <0.5 cm³ and a platelet count of <10,000/mm³, and a CTC grade 3 or 4 non-hematologic toxicity.

The fusion protein is administered intravenously in an appropriate solution such as 5% dextrose over 1 to 4 hours. The dose is about 5 mcg to 3 mg or more per week, e.g., 25 mcg to 625 mcg per week; or about 125 mcg/week, with administrations between 3 to 5 times per week. The patient is monitored for fever and other side effects. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the cessation of temozolomide results in enhanced survival of leukocytes that promote the activity of the MR1-1-INFα2-1b(R145A) fusion protein.

In a second treatment paradigm, a patient is first treated with surgery, followed by a combination of radiation therapy, temozolomide, and MR1-1-INFα2-1b(R145A) fusion protein. The radiation and temozolomide are administered essentially as described above.

The fusion protein is administered intravenously in an appropriate solution such as 5% dextrose over 1 to 4 hours. The dose is about 5 mcg to 3 mg or more per week, e.g., 25 mcg to 625 mcg per week or about 125 mcg/week, with administrations between 3 to 5 times per week. The patient is monitored for fever and other side effects. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the combination of DNA damage in tumor cells resulting from radiation plus temozolomide and the targeting of IFNα activity on these cells is synergistic, results in enhanced killing of the tumor cells in the patient.

Other Embodiments

All of the features disclosed in this specification may be combined in any combination. Each feature disclosed in this specification may be replaced by an alternative feature serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature discloses is only an example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

From the above description, one of skill in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of the present disclosure, and without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modification of the disclosure to adapt it to various usages and conditions. Thus, other embodiments are also within the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A fusion protein comprising a protein domain that binds to a multisubunit signaling receptor; an antibody variable region element that binds to a cell surface antigen; and a linker that connects the protein domain and the antibody variable region element; wherein the protein domain that binds to the multimeric signaling receptor includes a first amino acid substitution and a second amino acid substitution such that the binding affinity of the protein domain to a first subunit of the multisubunit signaling receptor is altered by the first amino acid substitution and the binding affinity of the protein domain to a second subunit of the multisubunit signaling receptor is altered by the second amino acid substitution.
 2. The fusion protein of claim 1, wherein the fusion protein comprises one polypeptide chain.
 3. The fusion protein of claim 1, wherein said multisubunit signaling receptor and the cell surface antigen are expressed on at least one cell type in a human.
 4. The fusion protein of claim 1, wherein said first mutation decreases the binding affinity of the protein domain for the first receptor subunit and the second mutation increases the affinity of the protein domain for the second receptor subunit.
 5. The chimeric activator of claim 1, wherein the multisubunit signaling receptor is a Type 1 interferon receptor.
 6. The fusion protein of claim 1, wherein the protein domain that binds to a multisubunit signaling receptor is a cytokine or hormone.
 7. The fusion protein of claim 6, wherein the protein domain comprises a Type 1 interferon.
 8. The fusion protein of claim 7, wherein the Type 1 interferon comprises one or more amino acid substitutions selected from the group consisting of L30A, R145A, M149A, E59A, H58A, and R150A.
 9. The fusion protein of claim 1, wherein the antibody variable region element comprises an antibody variable region or regions or a derivative or fragment thereof that is capable of binding a peptide provided by the amino acid sequence Lys-Gly-Asn-Tyr-Val-Val-Thr-Asp-His (SEQ ID NO: 17).
 10. The fusion protein of claim 1, wherein the protein domain that binds to the multi-subunit signaling receptor comprises the amino acid sequence provided by SEQ ID NO:
 18. 11. The fusion protein of claim 1, wherein the linker connects the C-terminal end of the antibody variable region element to the N-terminal end of the protein domain.
 12. The fusion protein of claim 1, wherein the linker connects the C-terminal end of the protein domain to the N-terminal end of the antibody or antibody variable region element.
 13. The fusion protein of claim 7, wherein the protein domain inhibits cellular proliferation.
 14. The fusion protein of claim 1, wherein the antibody variable region element comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence provided by SEQ ID NO: 15 and a light chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence provided by SEQ ID NO:
 16. 15. The fusion protein of claim 8, wherein the Type 1 interferon comprises mutations H58A and R150A.
 16. The fusion protein of claim 8, wherein the Type 1 interferon comprises mutations E59A and M149A.
 17. A fusion protein comprising a protein domain that binds to a multisubunit signaling receptor; an antibody variable region element that binds to a cell surface antigen; and a linker that connects the protein domain and the antibody variable region element; wherein the linker is a peptide linker and has a net charge.
 18. The fusion protein of claim 17, wherein the net charge of the linker is negative.
 19. The fusion protein of claim 17, wherein the net charge of the linker is positive.
 20. The fusion protein of claim 17, wherein the linker comprises 10 to 200 amino acids in length.
 21. The fusion protein of claim 18, wherein the linker comprises amino acids selected from the group consisting of glycine, serine, glutamate, and aspartate.
 22. The fusion protein of claim 19, wherein the linker comprises amino acids selected from the group consisting of lysine, arginine, and histidine.
 23. The fusion protein of claim 18, wherein the linker comprises a repeat of GGGSE (SEQ ID NO:11), GSESG (SEQ ID NO:12), or GSEGS (SEQ ID NO:13).
 24. The fusion protein of claim 18, wherein the linker comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO:14 (GEGGSGEGSSGEGSSSEGGGSEGGGSEGGGSEGGS).
 25. The fusion protein of claim 18, wherein the linker comprises an amino acid sequence comprising regularly spaced negatively charged amino acids and non-regularly spaced non-charged amino acids.
 26. The fusion protein of claim 25, wherein the non-charged amino acids are selected from the group consisting of glycine, serine, alanine, proline, and threonine.
 27. The fusion protein of claim 25, wherein the non-charged amino acids are selected from the group consisting of glycine and serine.
 28. The fusion protein of claim 17, wherein the protein domain that binds to the multisubunit signaling receptor is a cytokine or hormone.
 29. The fusion protein of claim 28, wherein the protein domain that binds to the multi-subunit signaling receptor is a Type 1 interferon.
 30. The fusion protein of claim 17, wherein the protein domain that binds to the multisubunit signaling receptor comprises the amino acid sequence provided by SEQ ID NO:
 18. 31. The fusion protein of claim 17, wherein the linker connects the C-terminal end of the antibody variable region element to the N-terminal end of the protein domain.
 32. The fusion protein of claim 17, wherein the linker connects the C-terminal end of the protein domain to the N-terminal end of the antibody or antibody variable region element.
 33. The fusion protein of claim 29, wherein the protein domain inhibits cellular proliferation.
 34. The fusion protein of claim 17, wherein the antibody variable region element comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence provided by SEQ ID NO: 15 and a light chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence provided by SEQ ID NO:
 16. 35. The fusion protein of claim 29, wherein the Type 1 interferon comprises mutations H58A and R150A.
 36. The fusion protein of claim 29, wherein the Type 1 interferon comprises mutations E59A and M149A.
 37. The fusion protein of claim 17, wherein the fusion protein selectively binds to cancer cells relative to non-cancer cells.
 38. The fusion protein of claim 37, wherein the fusion protein selectively binds to cancer cells that express EGFRvIII relative to cells that do not express EGFRvIII.
 39. An isolated fusion protein comprising SEQ ID NO:
 18. 40. An isolated fusion protein comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1 [MR1-1 INFα 2-1b WT], SEQ ID NO: 2 [MR1-1 INFα 2-1B L30A], SEQ ID NO: 3 [MR1-1 INFα 2-1B R145A], SEQ ID NO: 4 [MR1-1 INFα 2-1b E59A M149A], and SEQ ID NO: 5 [MR1-1 INFα 2-1b H58A R150A].
 41. An isolated nucleic acid that encodes the fusion protein of claim
 1. 42. An isolated nucleic acid that encodes the fusion protein of claim
 17. 43. An isolated nucleic acid encoding a fusion protein, the nucleic acid comprising in frame a first sequence encoding a protein domain that binds to a multisubunit signaling receptor; a second sequence encoding an antibody variable region element that binds a cell surface antigen; and a third sequence encoding a linker that connects the protein domain and the antibody variable region element; wherein the linker is a peptide linker and has a net charge.
 44. A method for manufacturing a fusion protein comprising a protein domain that binds to a multisubunit signaling receptor, an antibody variable region element that binds to a cell surface antigen, and a linker that connects the protein domain and the antibody variable region element, the method comprising: i. mutating the protein domain such that the binding affinity of the protein domain to a first subunit of the multisubunit signaling receptor is increased and the binding affinity of the protein domain to a second subunit of the multisubunit signaling receptor is decreased relative to an unmutated protein domain; ii. selecting a linker length and an amino acid composition that enhances the specificity of the fusion protein for cells expressing the cell surface antigen; and iii. preparing the fusion protein.
 45. The method of claim 44, wherein the first subunit is IFNAR1 and the second subunit is IFNAR2.
 46. A method for targeted inhibition of cellular proliferation the method comprising: contacting a cell with an effective amount of the fusion protein of claim
 1. 47. The method of claim 46, further comprising assessing cellular proliferation after contacting the cell with the fusion protein.
 48. The method of claim 46, wherein the cell is characterized by expression of EGFRvIII.
 49. The method of claim 46, wherein the cell is in a human.
 50. The method of claim 46, wherein the cell is obtained from a human.
 51. A method for targeted inhibition of cellular proliferation the method comprising: contacting a cell with an effective amount of the fusion protein of claim
 17. 52. A method for treating cancer, the method comprising: administering to an individual having cancer an effective amount of the fusion protein of claim
 1. 53. The method of claim 52, wherein the cancer is characterized by EGFRvIII expression.
 54. The method of claim 53, wherein the cancer is glioblastoma.
 55. The method of claim 52, wherein the individual has received at least one cancer treatment selected from the group consisting of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
 56. The method of claim 52, wherein the individual is concurrently administered the fusion protein and at least one cancer treatment selected from the group consisting of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
 57. A method for treating cancer, the method comprising: administering to an individual having cancer an effective amount of the fusion protein of claim
 17. 58. A method for treating an individual having cancer, the method comprising detecting whether the cancer expresses EGFRvIII, and if EGFRvIII expression is detected, administering to the individual an effective amount of the fusion protein of claim
 1. 59. A method for treating an individual having cancer, the method comprising detecting whether the cancer expresses EGFRvIII, and if EGFRvIII expression is detected, administering to the individual an effective amount of the fusion protein of claim
 17. 60. A composition comprising the fusion protein of claim
 1. 61. The composition of claim 60, further comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier comprises a phosphate-buffered saline or a buffer comprising a sugar, arginine, citrate, and/or a Tween compound.
 62. A composition comprising the fusion protein of claim
 17. 63. The composition of claim 46, further comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier comprises a phosphate-buffered saline or a buffer comprising a sugar, arginine, citrate, and/or a Tween compound. 